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Just developed a leak from the right rear calipher. Lines and pads were replaced about 6 months ago. any ideas as to what all (probably)needs to be done? SS conversion was done years ago. (I also installed the "speed bleeders" which are really neat).
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Re: 66 Leaking Brake Calipher
Tom----
First, you need to make certain of where the leak is actually coming from. Check to be sure that it's not coming from the "speed bleeders", brake line fitting to the caliper, or rear caliper plug fitting.
If the caliper piston bore(s)are the source of the problem, there are really only about two possibilities. First, the piston seal in one or more bores may have failed. One year of use is pretty quick for one of these seals to fail, but it could happen. In that case, replace the piston seal and boot in the leaking bore(s). You will need to remove and disassemble the caliper to do this and you might just as well replace all 4 seals/boots at the same time.
The second possibility related to the calipers themselves is that a sleeve was improperly installed. Due to the extremely high hydraulic pressures involved in a brake system, if a sleeve is improperly installed or "loosens" after installation, fluid will be forced between the sleeve and the caliper bore. This ultimately results in a leak. If this is your problem and you have high quality rebuilds from a reputable manufacturer, they will usually replace the defective caliper.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 66 Leaking Brake Calipher
Tom----
First, you need to make certain of where the leak is actually coming from. Check to be sure that it's not coming from the "speed bleeders", brake line fitting to the caliper, or rear caliper plug fitting.
If the caliper piston bore(s)are the source of the problem, there are really only about two possibilities. First, the piston seal in one or more bores may have failed. One year of use is pretty quick for one of these seals to fail, but it could happen. In that case, replace the piston seal and boot in the leaking bore(s). You will need to remove and disassemble the caliper to do this and you might just as well replace all 4 seals/boots at the same time.
The second possibility related to the calipers themselves is that a sleeve was improperly installed. Due to the extremely high hydraulic pressures involved in a brake system, if a sleeve is improperly installed or "loosens" after installation, fluid will be forced between the sleeve and the caliper bore. This ultimately results in a leak. If this is your problem and you have high quality rebuilds from a reputable manufacturer, they will usually replace the defective caliper.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Speed Bleeders -- Leaking Calipers
Tom / Others --- What the heck are speed bleeders ?Comment
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Re: Speed Bleeders -- Leaking Calipers
Tom / Others --- What the heck are speed bleeders ?Comment
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Re: 66 Leaking Brake Calipher
I agree with Joe that your leak may have developed somewhere else on the caliper, other than the internal workings themselves. I just finished rebuilding my SS brakes with new seals and boots. During the disassembly I tore two of the boots so it was a good idea that I had rebuilding kits available. During the rebuild, one of my piston seals was not properly installed and one boot wasn't properly seated. Both developed leakss, the piston seal being a significant one. If your car has been braking fine, with no evidence of leaks, I would suspect: 1. leaking brake hoses 2. speed bleeders not tight 3. loose brake hose to line connection 4. piston seal not properly seated 5. torn boots 6. loose bleeders (assuming that you aren't using speed bleeders at all three points)
This is the order I would start to look at things.Comment
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Re: 66 Leaking Brake Calipher
I agree with Joe that your leak may have developed somewhere else on the caliper, other than the internal workings themselves. I just finished rebuilding my SS brakes with new seals and boots. During the disassembly I tore two of the boots so it was a good idea that I had rebuilding kits available. During the rebuild, one of my piston seals was not properly installed and one boot wasn't properly seated. Both developed leakss, the piston seal being a significant one. If your car has been braking fine, with no evidence of leaks, I would suspect: 1. leaking brake hoses 2. speed bleeders not tight 3. loose brake hose to line connection 4. piston seal not properly seated 5. torn boots 6. loose bleeders (assuming that you aren't using speed bleeders at all three points)
This is the order I would start to look at things.Comment
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