Leaking Brake Caliper on '66

[John L.]

Hello All, the front left Brake Caliper on my '66 (Oct 65 build) is leaking and I am leaning towards buying a newly manufactured one from Corvette Central vs having mine rebuilt or doing an exchange. I do not believe my caliper is original to the car, need to take a look and see. Would like feedback of buying new manufactured one vs rebuilt one. Also, assume I should go ahead and replace the brake line too?

Thanks

[Edward B.]

Re: Leaking Brake Caliper on '66

Where exactly is it leaking? What is the service history on the calipers, brake hose replacements and brake fluid changes?

[Joe L.]

Re: Leaking Brake Caliper on '66

Hello All, the front left Brake Caliper on my '66 (Oct 65 build) is leaking and I am leaning towards buying a newly manufactured one from Corvette Central vs having mine rebuilt or doing an exchange. I do not believe my caliper is original to the car, need to take a look and see. Would like feedback of buying new manufactured one vs rebuilt one. Also, assume I should go ahead and replace the brake line too?

Thanks

John-----


What are the casting numbers on the caliper (each half should have a number)? If both are "546xxxx", then the calipers could be original or, at least, replacements which could not be discerned from originals. Any other numbers and they're not original.

As far as new, replacement calipers go, there are 2 types: one type has piston bores as-original (i.e. no stainless steel sleeves). The other type have stainless steel sleeves. I'd always go with the ones with the stainless steel sleeves because that means you never have to worry about bore corrosion again. However, in my opinion, high quality, rebuilt original calipers with stainless steel sleeves are just as good as new calipers with stainless steel sleeves.

By the way, original calipers of the 546xxxx and 545xxxx casting number series are manufactured from ductile iron. 547xxxx series calipers are cast from gray iron. Ductile iron is better and stronger than gray iron. I believe the current reproduction calipers are cast of gray iron.

Always replace brake hoses when replacing calipers.

[John D.]

Re: Leaking Brake Caliper on '66

If the calipers were sleeved previously you may only need to replace the seals to be back in business. Not a terribly difficult job.