I'm adapting some GSL calipers to my RX-2 using the ReSpeed kit. I'm breaking down the rear calipers (again) so they can be powdercoated, but my pistons suck. They're second-hand and have been chewed up by previous people not knowing how to recompress the piston when changing pads. Is there a place I can buy a pair of replacement pistons for the rear calipers?

 

I don't know enough about the brakes on a GSL, but if they're the same as GSL-SE brakes, here you go:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,1724

These will fit the GSL-SE. I admire your willingness to rebuild instead of replace...I would much rather do that in most cases. But you might need to look at getting rebuilt calipers instead if these pistons won't work.

Rich

 

I already rebuilt the fronts, and I've got to break it all down for powdercoating anyway. It's interesting that Rock Auto has the front pistons for 12A and both front and rear for the SE. Does anyone know if an SE rear piston is the same as the GSL's?

 

It looks like the calipers are different, but the pistons are the same between the GSL and the SE. (see page 5 of link)

http://www.wankel.net/%7Ekrwright/fi...%20CHASSIS.pdf

Kent

 

If they are the same, i have a pair of rear calipers i would sell you. they are off a 85 -se, pm me if u want them

 

One more question, then, and I think I'm done. In order to powdercoat both the caliper and carrier, I'll need to get the caliper off those smooth studs on the carrier. The FSM and Haynes don't get into how to separate them, and it doesn't look obvious to me. Any help there?

 

Bump. I hit the junkyard today and picked up a pair of calipers, rear parking brake cables, brake proportioning valve, and a washer bottle that "might" fit the RX-2.

Now that I've got good-looking calipers, I still need to break them down for powdercoat and these are just as difficult as my old pair. Can anyone tell me how to get the floating caliper off the carrier?

Puhleeees !!

 

I'm really not understanding your question. I just did the rears on my GSL-SE swap and it's quite obvious how they come apart. There is a bolt at the bottom...take that all the way out, then the caliper rides on a pin at the top...just swing the caliper upward, then slide it off the pin toward the inside of the car. Take the brake hose off first.

Rich

 

Well, I figured out what happened. The old calipers were both missing the bolt. After getting a vice and big hammer on the new calipers, I got the bolt out and it just fell apart. With that knowledge in-hand, I went back to figure out why the old calipers didn't come apart, given that they're missing the bolt. They're just frozen solid. I can't rotate the caliper on the pin, no matter how hard I try.

Now that I have a good pair to work with, I've got one final question. I've got them totally broken down and ready for coating, but I don't know what to do with the rubber dust seals. They won't stand up to the oven at the powdercoater's, so are they replacable or what?

 

If they are in good enough shape you can take them off an reuse them. One is just slipped off easily. The other has a steel tube in it that needs to be removed, then the boot can be carefully removed. I like to soak them in Armor All overnight to make them nice and soft and clean them up a bit.

Rich

 

I've got 2 stuck calipers and two that I've stripped for coating. Between the four, I should be able to save a pair of dust boots. Does the big metal slug on the one press out, or do you just give it a good tug and pull it free of the metal?

 

You should be able to just push them out, but if the grease is old and stiff it could be difficult.

These links are for my '85 with GSL-SE rear end...you'll want to look up your particular car to make sure you're getting the right thing.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,1716
http://www.rockauto.com/ref/Raybesto...l?H16046-1.jpg

Rich