Brake Caliper Seal (parts question)

[Thomas Christopher]

I took the brake calipers apart on my 69, and they are completly gummed up by crud from the combination of dot 3 and dot 5 fluid. I thought I flushed them good, guess not.

When I went to my local Chevy parts dealer, he said the part number for the outer seal part had been replaced by a seal kit which was more than double the cost. I need 4 per caliper. I really only need the outer seal, because the internal seals are intact.

Is he correct, or does someone know if I can get just the outer seal? $112 in extra parts is spendy if I don't need them ($7 per piston X 16 pistons).

Thanks in advance for the help.

Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: Brake Caliper Seal (parts question)

Tom------

Through GM, only the caliper repair KITS are available. These include the chevron (piston) seal, the dust boot (outer seal) and o-rings (for caliper mating crossover passages). As far as I know, this is the only way the caliper kits have ever been available from GM. The kits are quite expensive, too.

Through aftermarket sources, more-or-less equivalent parts can be obtained at a much lower cost. You can get these through sources like Vette Brakes, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp., Dr. Vette, and many others.

If you disassemble the calipers, you should always change BOTH the piston seal and the dust boot. I would NEVER recommend reusing the piston seals, even if they were not chronologically old.

[Thomas Christopher]

Brake Caliper Seal (parts question)

Thanks Joe.

I did call a local parts store, and the kits were about 1/2 the price of the GM kit. I didn't know if I could get just the dust boot or if the guy at the GM parts counter was trying to sell me more than I needed. I'm going the aftermarket route.

Thanks for the info.

Tom

[George C.]

Re: Brake Caliper Seal (parts question)

Joe,

I have the calipers off my 65 while rebuilding the front end and was thinking about changing the piston seals and dust boots while they are off the car. The calipers have been rebuilt with the stainless steel sleeves but I don't know when or who did the work. The question is how do I shop for the seals not knowing what kind of after market pistons I have? Any thoughts or experience with this issue?

Thanks in advance,
George
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