Brake calipers

[Bull22]

I am working on getting my 78 disc brake axel ready and the calipers are kinda rough. I think they will clean up ok but there is a fitting in there looks kinda like a grease fitting but bigger. it is threaded in. Im not sure how to attempt getting that out of there. It is round the whole thing is round there are no sides for a wrench maybe could have been but they are rusted off. The next problem I have is the pins that hold the pads on are really rusted in there. Does anyone have any advice or does anyone have a used set of calipers that they would sell me. Please advise.

 

[TJDIV]

Soak it in WD40 or something comparable and hit it with a torch.


Let is soak for a while first though.........

 

[Dogburn]

The piece you describe as rounded off is the most likely the bleeder valve. You need that to work to be able to bleed any air out of the lines.

The pins should not be pitted, kind of a "mission critical" part as they hold the pads in place.

Hopefully, you've either torn down the calipers and inspected the cylinders for pitting or scoring and replaced the o-rings on the pistons, assuming the cylinders are smooth.

You might also consider buying replacement calipers (in a pair) and using those along with new pads and either turned or replaced disks.

 

[Bull22]

I know you can buy replacement pins and a rebuild kit for the calipers. If I was able to pull the pins out and pull out the old cylinders could I just rebuild. Does the condition of the housing matter where the cylinders go in? Like if I bought the rebuild kit would I be able to get by with that?

 

[Dogburn]

Charlie, if I misunderstood your question please correct me.

The condition of the pistons and cylinders are critical. If they are both smooth and not pitted or scored, you can rebuild and get by with overhauling the calipers. Some people just replace the calipers due to their age and their importance. The condition of the exterior housing does not matter, short of any cracks/physical damage (the threads on openings where the brake line and bleeder valve are connected should also be in good condition).

I've overhauled and replaced over the years with my 40, and been happy going both routes. Money was usually the issue for me choosing overhaul over replace.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

At around $35/caliper at Autozone I usually just replace them when they need it. Not worth the effort to rebuild at that price IMHO.



Nick Jennings

 

[cruiser_guy]

I've found the pins can be a real bear to pull out. Lube them with Anti-seize when you reinstall to make removal easier next time.
I've decided long ago that trying to rebuild the calipers myself is not worth it in time money or the extra comfort level of having rebuilt calipers in there. The few times I have rebuilt have been less than satisfactory in my opinion and usually their pitted anyway and need to be replaced.

 

[Bull22]

I just called auto zone and they have a set in stock. And at 35/caliper your right not worth rebuilding. Thanks for the info guys.... As always IH8MUD is a life saver well money saver in this case.

 

[Nonoriginal]

A quick question: Are the disk calipers 5.25in/133.35mm between the mounting tabs (Hole to hole)?

 

[freebornred]

At around $35/caliper at Autozone I usually just replace them when they need it. Not worth the effort to rebuild at that price IMHO.



Nick Jennings

no f@#ckin! way dude !!!!!!! i repeat 4 all of you out there dont buy autozone parts 4 you landcruiser especially brake calipers, not worth the time pain and frustration ... go to napa or your local toyota delership! youll thnk me 4 it later ! irepeat dont fall 4 trhere lifetime warranty b@@#s*&t either , like some one on this forum once told me, when your broken down on your trail or in the middle of nowhere miles from home it aint gonna help !!!!!! take it from me i went thruogh not one not two but three loaded calipers in a two week period before i lost it and had two eventualy fight it out with the district manager here in south florida to get my money back only to go where i should of in the first place NAPA .and so far so good .

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Well, with over 30K miles on the set I bought I find your warning unfounded. I will agree that you should not buy EVERYTHING from Autozone but these parts seem to work fine for me. YRMV.



Nick Jennings

 

[Bull22]

I got the calipers from advance auto called my buddy thats a mgr there i got 2 calipers (reman oe ones) with brake pads for 66.00 Its nice to know people.
And with advance i know i wont have to worry about warrantys ive taken parts back b4 not an issue.
Thanks