Caliper replacement

KingCon · #1 08-26-2009, 12:16 PM

I need to change my front drivers side caliper as it's slightly frozen. Do I need to replace both calipers? My auto shop said they should be changed in pairs, but the passenger side is working fine.

Any response would be appreciated.

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killcrap · #2 08-26-2009, 01:23 PM

50% of the time, if one is sticking, the other will be going also. ive got a set that i can get you for you rebuilt and powder coated any color you want. let me know if your interested.

jayjay_dee · #3 08-26-2009, 03:07 PM

killcrap, i remember reading a post of yours about powder coating your calipers, and you had teaser pics... whats the status on that? got any pics?

sorry KingCon, hijack over...

X5girl · #4 08-26-2009, 11:48 PM

Absolutely no reason to change calipers in pairs. Discs and pads yes but not calipers.

Normal reason for a binding caliper is outer seal failure letting water and dirt into the caliper, often repaired easily with a seal kit.

I would try and investigate the cause of binding by popping the piston and inspecting tthe piston and bore. As long as neither are pitted and it is only surface corrosion, clean it up and fit new seals. Job done.

I strongly recommend new pads though as the pads from the binding caliper may have overheated.

X5Girl, xxx

themoth · #5 08-26-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5girl

Absolutely no reason to change calipers in pairs. Discs and pads yes but not calipers.

Normal reason for a binding caliper is outer seal failure letting water and dirt into the caliper, often repaired easily with a seal kit.

I would try and investigate the cause of binding by popping the piston and inspecting tthe piston and bore. As long as neither are pitted and it is only surface corrosion, clean it up and fit new seals. Job done.

I strongly recommend new pads though as the pads from the binding caliper may have overheated.

X5Girl, xxx

great advice

Weasel · #6 08-27-2009, 12:07 AM

Yep, she knows what she's talking about. Definately worth trying before buying the whole caliper. Just get the reseal kit and go for it.

HuskerX5 · #7 08-27-2009, 12:21 AM

You can buy a caliper rebuild kit with piston seal(s) and outer pleated rubber seal over the counter at the dealership. I have sold several kits to fellow CCA members, track rat buddies, and used them myself on my M5. The kits are less than $20 per side and the work involved to accomplish this task is pretty easy. Nothing fits and works better than a part that is already attached to you car!!! Seriously, if it is just a little binding, fix it yourself and save a ton of money.

faz · #8 08-27-2009, 02:39 AM

Great info provided here by all.

killcrap · #9 08-27-2009, 07:12 AM

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6618/26535127.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/5633/33149024.jpg
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/1560/24893931.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3594/68522661.jpg

i put the 4.6/4.8is brakes on, purchased them from a junk yard, and cleaned them and powder coated them silver to match the original finish from the factory.(i'm a big fan of OEM parts and quality) i still have the 4.4i brakes and can have them powder coated also.

KingCon · #10 08-27-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HuskerX5

You can buy a caliper rebuild kit with piston seal(s) and outer pleated rubber seal over the counter at the dealership. I have sold several kits to fellow CCA members, track rat buddies, and used them myself on my M5. The kits are less than $20 per side and the work involved to accomplish this task is pretty easy. Nothing fits and works better than a part that is already attached to you car!!! Seriously, if it is just a little binding, fix it yourself and save a ton of money.

You wouldn't happen to have a DIY walkthrough for this? I'd love to save some money and do this my self, I just afraid I don't have the proper tools to do it.

Quote:

Absolutely no reason to change calipers in pairs. Discs and pads yes but not calipers.

Normal reason for a binding caliper is outer seal failure letting water and dirt into the caliper, often repaired easily with a seal kit.

I would try and investigate the cause of binding by popping the piston and inspecting tthe piston and bore. As long as neither are pitted and it is only surface corrosion, clean it up and fit new seals. Job done.

I strongly recommend new pads though as the pads from the binding caliper may have overheated.

X5Girl, xxx

Thank you. If that's the case I am now wondering about the initial diagnosis of the caliper being frozen.

I was also told that my half shafts are loose. Then was shown by having the mechanic jerk them back and forth, and tell me that "they had too much play in them". Are half shafts supposed to have any play in them?

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