1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Sticking brake caliper

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Old 05-19-05, 11:08 PM
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7-itis

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Sticking brake caliper

I hate brakes. Anyways, the right front brake started to freeze up on me recently (2 weeks-ish), so because i had no time to fix it myself (radioshack management = lots of hours cuz i'm new) i took it to monroe. we've got some "smart" people that work there around here. they re-lubed the caliper pins, and told me that the piston moves in and out freely. about a week ago it started pulling to the right again. already long story short, i ordered 2 caliper seal kits from parts afghanistan (they said "you're supposed to put red grease on the seals?") and plan on pickin them up tomorrow. i think i'm going to have to sand the rust off the piston, but is there anything else anyone can think of to make sure these calipers work right again? i can afford one more night of almost no sleep, but i can't spare many so i need to make sure i get this right! any input is appreciated.
Old 05-19-05, 11:15 PM
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I had a stuck caliper when I bought my '83. I went to a parts store and ordered a rebuilt caliper for under $30 exchange, and it only took 1 day for it to come in. Front pads they had on the shelf, but I actually had a set of pads that had been in my toolbox for 20 years, so I used those instead.
If you are going to rebuild it yourself, be sure to not only clean the piston, but also the caliper bore of all rust. Any pitting should be closely examined. If pitted very bad, replace the entire caliper.
Old 05-20-05, 11:03 AM
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7-itis

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Thank you sir. can't forget to pick up some sandpaper tonight too... leaving at 8 in the morning and getting back home at 10pm sucks.
Old 05-20-05, 12:14 PM
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Use Scotch bright to clean up the pistons and inside the caliper, The sticking is generaly caused by the square cut washer inside the caliper. There should be a new one in the rebuild kit.
Old 05-20-05, 06:24 PM
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hmm my rear right caliper seems to be locking up, although not randomly as it pleases like yours. When I release the e-brake the caliper doesnt release instantly. If the cars off the ground, its much harder to spin that wheel than the left one.

I squeezed the rubber casing over the back of somethign on the caliper and brake fluid sprayed out. Guy at my local rotorshop told me that it's a common thing, then told me it would take them 2 days to fix it... I'm just wondering if you guys would know whats actually happening, because I'd rather fix it myself and not cost me anything...
Old 05-20-05, 06:59 PM
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The ebrake is leaking fluid is why there was fluid in the Casing. It is a pain it the *** to take apart and put back together.
Old 05-20-05, 07:02 PM
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[QUOTE=Hades12]The ebrake is leaking fluid is why there was fluid in the Casing. [/ QUOTE]


Old 05-20-05, 08:47 PM
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Hmm but it is fixable? Every time after driving that whole wheel is much warmer than the rest heh, its eating up precious economy/horsepower heh
Old 05-20-05, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by wackyracer

The ebrake is a Leaver, It is spring loaded with spring washers and held in place by a Keyed bar. All of this operates a plunger in the bottom of the caliper. There is one O ring that keeps the fluid in and holds the pressure. the plunger could be sticking holding the break on a little bit.

I had no luck rebuilding the one I tried, It still leaked. But the kit I bought did not have the correct O ring in it, and I could not find one.

Give rebuilding it a try and if it does not work then just replace it. Rockauto.com has the rebuild kit with the correct O ring. According to an older post I read a while back.
Old 05-20-05, 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Hades12
The ebrake is a Leaver, It is spring loaded with spring washers and held in place by a Keyed bar. All of this operates a plunger in the bottom of the caliper. There is one O ring that keeps the fluid in and holds the pressure. the plunger could be sticking holding the break on a little bit.

I had no luck rebuilding the one I tried, It still leaked. But the kit I bought did not have the correct O ring in it, and I could not find one.

Give rebuilding it a try and if it does not work then just replace it. Rockauto.com has the rebuild kit with the correct O ring. According to an older post I read a while back.

Sorry, I got confused on your previous post. Yes, that how it works.
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