Hey I was contemplating doing my 5 lug swap this weekend so i began cleaning my calipers so i can paint them. It crossed my mind if i should have them rebuilt while they are out of the car. IS it important? Is it likely that something is damaged or worn? How hard it it to rebuild these 4 piston calipers and where can I buy the kits?
Also the rotors included have a consistant layer of rust across the entire surface of the rotor. Can i use them till i can afford my brembos or will they pose some risk?

 

well the roters depending on the sevarity of the rust might be fine. if its just surface rust it will come off after a few stops. but if its deeper than that could pose problems

 

rotors rust extremely quickly. it comes off when you use them again. as long as the rotors aren't that old. my car was down for 7 months, so the rotors rusted. i've been driving on the same ones for some thousands of miles since rebuild.

-never rebuilt calipers (i heard its fairky easy)
-never bought or looked for rebuild kits

sorry, no answers there.

 

The rusted rotors shouldn't be a problem, but I'd check the thickness with a mic to be certain they are in tol. I would check to see if the pistons move in easily. Check by pushing each piston on the front in too see if they move easily. Check bottom pistons closely, as they are usually the ones affected by condensation. Make sure the rears turn in easily. Kits are available from parts stores, or over the net. Pretty simple, but removing the front pistons can be tricky. Use air and use a piece of wood to protect the pistons. The rears are a bit of a problem. If they are stuck or "lazy", I'd buy rebuilt units.

 

Just my 2 cents here, but why do you want to spend big money for Brembo brakes? The factory system is more than sufficient for street driving, especially the 4-piston calipers. Are you doing more than street driving? If not, your money could be better spent on other performance upgrades to the chasis or engine.

 

I think he wants the brembo rotors, not calipers. My car was on jacks for a couple of years, and the rotors rusted something nasty, but as somone already stated, a little use polishes them right up. The stopping power is crappy on rusted rotors, and mine have ended up a little warped. I would recommend having them surfaced. Most parts stores will do them for free. Definately rebuild the calipers. It's not hard; I've done it on both of my motorcycles. Don't forget to hone the cilinders with a honing tool. That will keep your breaks strong and trouble free for a long time. you might want to replace your hoses with braided stainsless steel too. These old brake lines flex and give you a mushy feel to the pedal. Last but not least, COMPLETELY flush your brake system with new high quality brake fluid from a fresh un-opened bottle. I'm planning on doing all of this after I do my AT to Manual conversion.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

Yea, i want brembo rotors. They cost just abotu the same as the stock replacemements and come anodized so they wont rust. I am tryna find the rebuild kit online, mazdatrix only sells brand new calipers. Would these kits come with instructions? I dont know what im doin, but would really enjoy the learnign experience

 

I got rebuild kits from autozone or the like.

No, they don't come with instructions. Use the diagrams out of the FSM to figure things out. The Haynes manual is no good for the rears, it says that it's too difficult. Apparantly it's harder than rebuilding the entire engine :screwy:

The fronts are easy, but the pistons in the rear calipers screw in. Be sure to buy/ borrow the retractor tool for these, as it will make the job much, much easier.

Anyways, you'll figure it out. Those little retention spring things aroung the boots are a biatch, especially in the cold.

 

I just did a google search and found this rebuild writeup. It's general info, but perty good. they don't mention honing, but if there's any corosion or buildup in your cylinders, I'd higly recommend doing it.

oh, and here's the writeup...
Brake caliper rebuild