Groaning brakes update

[FranklinLeicester]

Having thought about it for long enough, I stripped the offending disc brake down to find very badly pitted pistons which are reluctant to retract to their proper "off" position. I don't think it would be wise to attempt cleaning them up. I have looked on E bay for new calipers but just when I want them they are not there. I have got 1 or 2 phone numbers to try on Monday morning but any other possible sources would be greatly appreciated. Just one thing - is it bad practice to replace one caliper, should I do the pair while I'm at it?

[mallockat]

Re: Groaning brakes update

It's OK to change just one caliper. If the pistons and seals in the other caliper are OK and moving freely, then the clamping pressure will be the same as the new one.

[b_caswell]

Re: Groaning brakes update

It is possible to get stainless steel pistons for most common calipers and seal kits.
Try Bigg Red
www.biggred.co.uk

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Got a new caliper today,£41 from local parts factor. Easy job to fit but now the ******* thing wont bleed!!!!! Pumped loads of clear fluid through but no joy. Must be a rogue air bubble in there somewhere. When I clamp the flexi pipe up to isolate the new caliper, the other 3 corners give rock hard pedal.

[b_caswell]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Try clamping the flexible then open the bleed nipple and push the pads back as far as the will go so that you push the air and fluid out of the caliper.Close the bleed nipple then release the clamp and pump the pedal until the pads move back against the disc. If necesary repeat!

[Pierre_Smits]

Re: Groaning brakes update

make sure that the bleeding screw is located on the top. Otherwise you won't get the air out... (then the caliper is supposed to be fit to the other side of the car; so left and right do make a difference)

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

OK, thanks for these tips. Will give check them out. As regards the bleed nipple position, the original one was at the front of the caliper whereas the new one has it at the back but I think the height is the same.

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Pierre, ignore what I said above. I have just checked and you are right, the bleed nipple is at the bottom. I have phoned the factor and they agree, they have given me the wrong side!. Fun and games!

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Pierre, ignore what I said above. I have just checked and you are right, the bleed nipple is at the bottom. I have phoned the factor and they agree, they have given me the wrong side!. Fun and games!

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Pierre, ignore what I said above. I have just checked and you are right, the bleed nipple is at the bottom. I have phoned the factor and they agree, they have given me the wrong side!. Fun and games!

[Pierre_Smits]

Re: Groaning brakes update

I found out the same way and about a liter of brake fluid wasted...but now I'll never make this mistake again :-)

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

Only a litre? At least we can use the old fliud as paint stripper. I went back to supplier but they couldn't locate a near side unit so they are going to get my old one re-conned. They gave me a free 5 litre can of brake fluid.

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Groaning brakes update

On the road again! With the bleed nipple at the top the job was easy,in fact I did it on my own by pressing the pedal down with my left hand while watching the tube fill up with fluid. When it was passing no more air I let the pedal go and tightened the nipple up. Thanks for all help on this especially Pierre.

[Pierre_Smits]

Re: Groaning brakes update

good to hear that you're on the road again :-)
you're welcome!

[b_caswell]

Re: Groaning brakes update

But has it curred the groaning noise?