O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

**Christopher R.** · October 11, 2009, 10:41 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Roger,

I have purchased at least (6) sets of o-ring calipers from Precision Engineering in Florida (fixvetteparts.com) over the past 15 years with no issues.

The pistons are aluminum - not plastic and I have had no issues.

In my opinion the o-ring design is far superior to the original design.

**Jeffrey S.** · October 12, 2009, 06:45 AM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Roger:
I also have rebuilt the rear pistons on my '69 about 10 years ago and have had no issues whatsoever. Completely solved an air pumping problem and have not had to re-bleed since.
Jeff

**Roger D.** · October 12, 2009, 10:30 AM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Thanks Jeffrey and Christopher for that input.

It was just that the pics on all the sites made the pistons look like something other than metal, e.g., here is a link to the one from Ecklers.

https://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=37542&dept_id=1035

**Roger D.** · October 12, 2009, 11:18 AM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

I finally found one that is definitely metal. I called them and they informed that the pistons are aluminum. Here is a link to the item

http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=830

1. For stainless steel sleeved calipers can these be used as a direct replacement for the lip-ring seals/pistons that I am currently using?

2. Has anyone ever used this company, i.e., Vette Brakes and Products, Inc.?

**Patrick H.** · October 12, 2009, 11:46 AM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)

I finally found one that is definitely metal. I called them and they informed that the pistons are aluminum. Here is a link to the item

http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=830

1. For stainless steel sleeved calipers can these be used as a direct replacement for the lip-ring seals/pistons that I am currently using?

2. Has anyone ever used this company, i.e., Vette Brakes and Products, Inc.?

I've used whole calipers from them and also installed the pistons and seals from them, all O-ring style. No problems or issues at all. Nice products in general. The pistons and seals will slip right into your caliper.

If you're not in a hurry they often run 20-25% off specials.

Patrick

**Roger D.** · October 12, 2009, 11:49 AM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Thanks alot Patrick! I really appreciate it. I'll probably give 'em a try.

**Joe L.** · October 12, 2009, 01:08 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)

Thanks alot Patrick! I really appreciate it. I'll probably give 'em a try.

Roger-----

The o-ring type pistons and seals have been well-proven over time. I was once skeptical of them, but my concerns have been allayed by the success they've had. My concerns were always based on the fact that o-ring technology for caliper pistons was well known at the time that this brake system was originally designed. In fact, Bendix used this design and I don't think it was something they had patented. So, why didn't GM use it for the Corvette? It would have been simpler and cheaper. I've never had that question answered in a manner that was anything more than speculation. So, there's still a "kernel of doubt" in my mind.

Nevertheless, the degree of satisfaction that these o-ring caliper pistons have had over many years is enough proof that they will perform in a satisfactory manner.

One caveat, though: I do not recommend these pistons for use in brake systems that will be subject to road racing or other heavy duty uses. I have heard of problems with this system under such conditions. Folks that have used them under such conditions have told me that the brakes do not hold up for very long, but I have no personal experience. Still, the vast majority of folks don't use their 65-82 Corvettes for anything but street applications anyway.

**Roger D.** · October 12, 2009, 02:36 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Originally posted by Joe Lucia (12484)

Roger-----

The o-ring type pistons and seals have been well-proven over time. I was once skeptical of them, but my concerns have been allayed by the success they've had. My concerns were always based on the fact that o-ring technology for caliper pistons was well known at the time that this brake system was originally designed. In fact, Bendix used this design and I don't think it was something they had patented. So, why didn't GM use it for the Corvette? It would have been simpler and cheaper. I've never had that question answered in a manner that was anything more than speculation. So, there's still a "kernel of doubt" in my mind.

Nevertheless, the degree of satisfaction that these o-ring caliper pistons have had over many years is enough proof that they will perform in a satisfactory manner.

One caveat, though: I do not recommend these pistons for use in brake systems that will be subject to road racing or other heavy duty uses. I have heard of problems with this system under such conditions. Folks that have used them under such conditions have told me that the brakes do not hold up for very long, but I have no personal experience. Still, the vast majority of folks don't use their 65-82 Corvettes for anything but street applications anyway.

Joe, thanks for the info. No racing for me. I think she looks just as good going slow as she does fast...so I just drive her slow...

One question I just thought of though..I read in another forum that some folks aren't installing the springs behind the pistons when they go to the O-ring type seals. Ever heard of that and why?

**Graeme B.** · October 12, 2009, 06:03 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

The original type seals pull the pistons back from the disc. when pedal pressure is released. O-rings would not,I guess that would be the reason. Cheers,Graeme.

**Bill C.** · October 12, 2009, 11:42 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

One word of caution when converting your SS sleeved calipers to the O ring style. Before installing the O rings onto the new pistons install the piston into its bore and be certain it goes all the way down at least flush with the surface, these pistons are a bit longer and sit deeper into the bore, when any of the remanufacturers machined the bore larger to install the SS sleeve some bores are left with a "step" at the bottom of the bore. This step was not an issue ever with original pistons but is with the new style O ring pistons. Once seen the step can easily be removed with a dremel bit but again you need to be very cautious as if you hit the ID of the SS sleeve, you just ruined it. There are many variations of this depending on the rebuilders. I have seen many different heights of the step and some non-concentric sleeve to bore calipers which are harder to clean up . So save yourself a lot of grief and check yours first!

**Glenn D.** · October 12, 2009, 11:52 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

I have purchased from VBP and had a very good experience with their products and customer service.

**Roger D.** · October 13, 2009, 09:26 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Thanks for the replies.

Bill, I may be in trouble then. I had only take the right caliper apart so far. Looks like I may have the issue as the sleeves don't go all the way down. In fact looking at the ones on the first caliper, each one is slightly different. Can't say yet that they won't work but I would have to try all of them to see. Hmmm, if one does not work then I wouldn't want to have a hybrid system. It's either convert all of them or none of them

. Bummer.

**Joe L.** · October 13, 2009, 09:39 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)

Thanks for the replies.

Bill, I may be in trouble then. I had only take the right caliper apart so far. Looks like I may have the issue as the sleeves don't go all the way down. In fact looking at the ones on the first caliper, each one is slightly different. Can't say yet that they won't work but I would have to try all of them to see. Hmmm, if one does not work then I wouldn't want to have a hybrid system. It's either convert all of them or none of them

. Bummer.

Roger-----

The sleeves never go all the way down into the original bore. If they did, it would block off the fluid passages and the sleeves would then have to be drilled out to re-establish the passages. I don't know of any rebuilder that does this.

What's important is that there is not a significant "step" at the interface of the inner edge of the sleeve and the original bore. If there is, as has been described, you can CAREFULLY grind the step off. Then, check that the pistons move fully free when inserted in the bores without o-rings.

I don't think it will come to this, but I agree about not doing a "hybrid" system (i.e. some calipers with original-style pistons and some with o-ring). I wouldn't do that, at all.

**Patrick H.** · October 13, 2009, 10:03 PM

Re: O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

I've had to do "hybrids" when repairing only 1 caliper or when working on a car in stages. To date I've never had an issue doing so.

Patrick

O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

O-Ring Conversion - Brake Calipers

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