Re-sleeving previously sleeved calipers

[Len Gerstner]

I have searched the archives without finding any discussion regarding the re-sleeving of previously sleeved calipers with stainless steel. When I purchased my 1967 the previous owner stated that the Delco calipers were stainless steel sleeved during the ownership of another person. The calipers now need an overhaul due to leaky dust boots and seals. I have talked to a reputable Corvette brake rebuilder and they recommned removing the stainless steel sleeves in my calipers and reinstalling new stainless steel sleeves. I would appreciate any advice regarding the wisdom and possible pitfalls of the re-sleeving process. Would I be better advised to just scrap my calipers and purchase sleeved Delco calipers which have been sleeved just once?

[Michael W.]

Re: Re-sleeving previously sleeved calipers

Len,

You may find that it won't be necessary to resleeve your existing calipers. Most probably it's only the seals on your pistons are now leaking, and replacement of them would get you up and running again. You have nothing to lose by taking them apart and having a close look at the sleeve surface. If you find no obvious defects, install new seals on your pistons and try them on the car.

Mike


Quebec NCRS Chapter

[Patrick H.]

Re: Re-sleeving previously sleeved calipers

Len,

I would agree. The #1 reason that rebuilders get previously-sleeved calipers back (and really the only one) is that the seals have worn out, and need replacement.

I would disassemble the caliper and look for yourself. If you decide to install new seals yourself, I would suggest going with the O-ring seals and pistons available from Vette Brakes in FL. These are not supposed to "dry out" like the factory design seals, and are supposed to last much longer. In fact, I plan on doing this with my own car this year, and have already switched over two others with great success. Allegedly they also cut down on "air pumping" from out-of-spec runout as well.

If this is too much hassle, send your calipers to Vette Brakes and they will do it all for you. If your calipers are original to your car they will also return that exact set if you wish.

Good luck,

Patrick Hulst

[Joe L.]

Re: Re-sleeving previously sleeved calipers

Len-----

I can't imagine why your rebuilder would suggest that the caliper sleeves be removed and replaced. In fact, for product liability reasons, most, if not all, of the major caliper rebuilders will not resleeve a previously sleeved caliper. A very good friend of mine is in the caliper rebuilding business and has been for over 25 years. He has told me that his product liability insurance will not allow him to resleeve a previously sleeved caliper.

If a caliper was properly sleeved the first time, it should not require resleeving for the life of the car. However the term "properly sleeved" does not always apply. Major rebuilders like Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation, Vette Brakes, Dr. Vette, and Carter's Brake(my good friend out here in the west), do a superb job of rebuilding and use QUALITY parts. That's why they all guarantee their sleeves for life. However, there are many other less descriminating rebuilders out there. Some even use low quality, decorative stainless to fabricate the sleeves. If you have some of these, your best bet is to scrap them and obtain a set from a high quality rebuilder.

Otherwise, and as others have suggested, you probably only need to have the seals and, possibly, pistons replaced. You can do this yourself or most of the major rebuilders will do it for you at a set cost per wheel. They are usually also in the best position to adjudge the suitability of your existing calipers for resealing. Usually, they won't reseal a sub-standard caliper.

[George Daina]

A word from a resleeved caliper....

I was resleevedin the early 70's, and put on this gorgeous 68 roadster, but then the owner of the 68 went brain dead, yanked the body of the frame and it wast until '80 till the body went back together, and the 68 was running again. Oh joyous day as I worked my magic stopping the car. I had brand new Dot 3 silicone, and had no more worries with moisture, but then disaster. The timing gear's three retaining bolts came off 100 miles from my beloved home, and brain dead went dead again. There I sat in this dark and musty garage for 20 years until brain dead decided to revive the 68 and after an after thought, took me apart to look me over. What brain dead discovered was that the seals had deteriorated and left a nasty ring around my gorgeous ss sleeve. Well, brain dead wasn't brain dead no mo'. He went to the local auto store, purchased brake hone stones, honed me out, and I feel fresh as the day I was installed. He only had to push the hone in and out of me about 10 times and then it was over. I thought it would have lasted longer, but....

Thoughts from the rebuilders...."yonder comes a sucker" and "I hear the cash register ringing in my ears"

Save yourself some long green, get a fine stone brake hone, and if you think the stones are going to damage the sleeves....think again what the sleeves are made of.

[George Daina]

WARNING....Error!! Error!!

Terry just informed me of the error of my ways...scratch any reference to DOT 3 Silicone...there ain't any. See, you can teach an old hoot new tricks.