C3-1971 Brake Calipers

[Greg F.]

My right front brake is leaking, so I'm guessing I may need new calipers but I know NOTHING about troubleshooting brakes. What can it be, more than likely?

Also, if I need calipers...what do I need to get for future judging reasons? Where can I get them?

thanks,
Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C3-1971 Brake Calipers

Greg------

The caliper leakage problem is most likely a result of worn piston seals and/or worn pistons. If the calipers have never been sleeved, then caliper bore corrosion will almost certainly be involved, too.

If the calipers have been previously and properly sleeved, you can just replace the the pistons, seals, and boots and all should be well. If you don't want to do this yourself, most of the major caliper rebuilders will do it for you.

If the calipers have never been sleeved then you need to have them sleeved and completely rebuilt with the parts described above. You can also just go with exchange calipers, especially if yours are not original to the car, anyway. However, if your calipers have been previously sleeved, some caliper rebuilders will not accept them for exchange and will, consequently, charge you the core price. So, in that case, it's better to either rebuild them yourself or have them do it for you.

If all of the caliper halves have a casting number beginning with "545", then the calipers are either original to the car or are identical to those originally installed on the car.