In a message dated 06/01/2001 11:41:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
DenverD@Texan.dk writes:
> >Re-building calipers WITHOUT replacing the inner "o" ring is a plain waste
> >of time and money (and AIN'T safe).
>
>
> So, what is the solution?
> a. buy all NOS calipers instead of rebuilding
> b. buy rebuilt from _____________
> c. junk the car
>
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
According to my manuals and the Moss catalog, you are not supposed to
separate the halves of the calipers (probably for this reason). I did not
when I rebuilt my calipers and they work fine. If you do separate the
halves, Moss sells the gasket. I'm not sure about the o-ring, but a new
nitrile o-ring should be easy to find. New grade 8 bolts would probably be
fine.
I'm sure my buddy Ed will correct me, but I am going to take a stab at what
the o-ring does. Brake fluid has to get across the halves of the caliper to
get to the other piston, so there must be a hole matched to a hole in the
other side. I would think that the o-ring is a seal around the holes to
prevent brake fluid from soaking the gasket. I can't see how this o-ring
could get damaged from normal use. I guess it could break down after many
years, but I don't know the half-life of nitrile rubber. The o-ring has to
be the correct size, too big and it will close the hole when you reassemble
the halves, too small and it won't do anything at all. It also must be
resistant to brake fluid, which I believe is nitrile rubber. (?)
So if you don't have brake fluid seeping out between the halves of the
caliper, don't take it completely apart and you will probably be fine.
A word of warning here - If you are not sure of what you are doing with brake
work, send your calipers out to a reliable rebuilder like White Post
Restorations. Even if your car doesn't go real fast, you want it to stop!!!
Safety Fast!
Allen Hefner
Philly Region SCCA Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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