How much does it take to...

osbornsm · 08-26-2015, 01:38 PM

How much does it take to wear out a brake caliper.

Is there such a thing?

The powdercoat is no longer black, the piston seals have burned up long ago and they've been driven @ the track... hard.

Thoughts?

kenchan · 08-26-2015, 02:28 PM

i've not read about calipers cracking here, so im guessing the metal part is all cosmetic? just paint/powder coat them again?

for the seals and such, id just replace them.

90 ST · 08-26-2015, 03:02 PM

I'm still on my stock untouched calipers...

POS VETT · 08-26-2015, 03:06 PM

The "seals" that have burned up must be the dust covers; "burned up piston seals" would have caused major hydraulic fluid loss.

osbornsm · 08-26-2015, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS VETT

The "seals" that have burned up must be the dust covers; "burned up piston seals" would have caused major hydraulic fluid loss.

Correct, dust covers for the caliper pistons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i've not read about calipers cracking here, so im guessing the metal part is all cosmetic? just paint/powder coat them again?

for the seals and such, id just replace them.

Yeah but is the seals all needs replacing? And even Mike the powdercoater said he wouldn't do my calipers cuz of the track duty destroys colors.

TreeSemdyZee · 08-26-2015, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90 ST

I'm still on my stock untouched calipers...

But you drive so much, you probably never use the brakes.

POS VETT · 08-26-2015, 05:12 PM

If you're so inclined, buy a caliper rebuild kit and retrofit the ones you have.

Rusty · 08-26-2015, 05:54 PM

What you have to worry about is corrosion on the pistons, and the cylinder bores. This is where moisture collects in the caliper. When you rebuild the calipers. See if there is any pitting on the pistons and a build-up of a white material behind the pistons in the bore. If the pistons have pitting, get new pistons. The white material can be scraped out with a screwdriver/pick. Then you want to hone the bore. If the pitting in the cylinder walls is bad. Get new calipers. Where there is pitting. This is where the corrosion will start again after a rebuild.

I've done a few calipers in my time.

SouthArk370Z · 08-26-2015, 05:55 PM

As long as there are no cracks (magnaflux them if there are any doubts) or deformation (mic and caliper), all you have to worry about is if the bores are still good.

Only two things I've seen damage calipers: brute force of a wreck cracked/broke something or dirty fluid/bad seal ate up the cylinders. Three things ... or poor mechanicing. Keep the fluid changed and they ought to last a lifetime or two.

But I have zero experience with racing brakes and there may be something I'm missing.

osbornsm · 08-27-2015, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

As long as there are no cracks (magnaflux them if there are any doubts) or deformation (mic and caliper), all you have to worry about is if the bores are still good.

Keep the fluid changed and they ought to last a lifetime or two.

But I have zero experience with racing brakes and there may be something I'm missing.

Not using racing brakes here... just the OEM Akebonos.

But good to hear :-)

08-26-2015, 01:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 423	How much does it take to... How much does it take to wear out a brake caliper. Is there such a thing? The powdercoat is no longer black, the piston seals have burned up long ago and they've been driven @ the track... hard. Thoughts? __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)

08-26-2015, 02:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	i've not read about calipers cracking here, so im guessing the metal part is all cosmetic? just paint/powder coat them again? for the seals and such, id just replace them. DEpointfive0 likes this.

08-26-2015, 03:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 420	I'm still on my stock untouched calipers... kenchan and DEpointfive0 like this.

08-26-2015, 03:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
POS VETT Track Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 612 Drives: Z34\|C4LT4\|C6Z06\|V25 Rep Power: 3366	The "seals" that have burned up must be the dust covers; "burned up piston seals" would have caused major hydraulic fluid loss. Brendan likes this.

08-26-2015, 05:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 34,852 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684436	What you have to worry about is corrosion on the pistons, and the cylinder bores. This is where moisture collects in the caliper. When you rebuild the calipers. See if there is any pitting on the pistons and a build-up of a white material behind the pistons in the bore. If the pistons have pitting, get new pistons. The white material can be scraped out with a screwdriver/pick. Then you want to hone the bore. If the pitting in the cylinder walls is bad. Get new calipers. Where there is pitting. This is where the corrosion will start again after a rebuild. I've done a few calipers in my time. SouthArk370Z and Ghostvette like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

08-26-2015, 05:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
POS VETT Track Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 612 Drives: Z34\|C4LT4\|C6Z06\|V25 Rep Power: 3366	If you're so inclined, buy a caliper rebuild kit and retrofit the ones you have.

08-26-2015, 05:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	As long as there are no cracks (magnaflux them if there are any doubts) or deformation (mic and caliper), all you have to worry about is if the bores are still good. Only two things I've seen damage calipers: brute force of a wreck cracked/broke something or dirty fluid/bad seal ate up the cylinders. Three things ... or poor mechanicing. Keep the fluid changed and they ought to last a lifetime or two. But I have zero experience with racing brakes and there may be something I'm missing. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma