1969 Brake Caliper Rebuild

[Thomas Christopher]

My front brake caliper started leaking on my 69. When I bought the car 7 years ago, the gentleman said it had stainless sleeve caliper's on it. And also, I began using dot 5 brake fluid. I wonder if that had anything to do with it?

Anyhow, my question is, how hard is it to rebuild one of those? I see these seal kits for about $15 in the major corvette parts suppliers catalogs. Has anyone done this with any luck?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

tom

[Rich Puleo]

Re: 1969 Brake Caliper Rebuild

Unfortunately, no matter what you do to these old calipers, they like to leak, usually from lack of use. It's a very simple rebuild, if there are no problems with the sleeves or pistons. Make sure all of these surfaces are perfect or it will eventually leak again. You don't want even the slightest pitting in the piston grooves. In my experience, it's just easier to get an exchange unit, & I like to change all 4. Many places have started carrying the new ACDelco repro callipers, they are nice but they usually won't come painted or with new pads. I used a few sets of these & I haven't had a problem. I think Corvette Central, Mid America, & Eckler's all carry them.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1969 Brake Caliper Rebuild

The hardest part on rebuilding a caliper is removing the caliper bolts, they are really torqued tight, don't remember the exact foot pounds. However I would break them loose on the car before removing the caliper. I think the caliper mounting bolts are about 70 foot pounds, I always check my service manual. The rebuild kits used to be available at your GM parts counter. If they are not in stock, some have overnight service. If not available at a GM parts counter check with your local parts stores. If your calipers are stainless sleeved and you have used DOT5, most likely all you need is a rebuild. I am still using the first set of front stainless calipers I bought for my 7O. Put new seals in them once probably 14-15 years ago and use DOT5. From the crud I got out of the calipers, I must of not removed all of the DOT3 when I changed over. GM recommended later, not initially, on using silicone sealant when installing the dust boot in the caliper mounting. I haven't tried this yet.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 Brake Caliper Rebuild *TL*

Do be cautious of the torque value given in the 1969 FSM for bolting the caliper halves together. It is wrong IIRC - it has been a long time. Now that I posted this I'm going to have to go looking for the right value.