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Tips

Caliper Rebuild

John Moore

Luke Skywalker
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I'm rebuilding my front calipers for my disc brake conversion on my Bugeye. I remember when I rebuilt my B calipers the metal retaining ring for the dust seal was almost impossible to replace without bending it. I searched the archieves here but didn't see anything like that on spridget calipers. Has anyone encoutered that problem before?

Any other tips? (I don't plan on splitting mine.)
 
I know that it is suggested that you do not split them, however, they are almost impossible to not bend the metal seal if you don't. Tony went through this a few weeks ago and I believe that he found a trick.
 
John Moore said:
I'm rebuilding my front calipers for my disc brake conversion on my Bugeye. I remember when I rebuilt my B calipers the metal retaining ring for the dust seal was almost impossible to replace without bending it. I searched the archieves here but didn't see anything like that on spridget calipers. Has anyone encoutered that problem before?

Any other tips? (I don't plan on splitting mine.)
Yep, I started a post not long ago about that exact issue...I solved mine: PeterC!!
 
I used the same solution as Tony. Price was reasonable, and no fuss. :thumbsup:
 
ahhh! Peter C!

Well, since I have all the parts, I'll give it a try first.
 
I don't remember any real trouble with the retaining ring but I couldn't get the cups back in properly until I split the calipers. I went through two rebuild kits (kept cutting the rubber seals) until I split the calipers, bought the red brake parts grease and slowly pushed them back into place with even pressure. I was almost thinking it was you that helped me but that was a couple of years ago??? I'm sure some of the other usual suspects were involved back then as well. I'll search for my post and see if there is anything of value in it.
JC
 
I ruined 2 rebuild kits trying to get that stupid little retaining ring back in - following the instructions in the rebuild kit!
 
I say split em. adds nothing to the time and makes the job soooo much easier. You might want to replace the rubber ring between the halves - not included in the rebuild kit - but it makes everything doable.

Can email you the Classic Motorsports article if you're interested
 
John,

That would be great! mgupnorth at yahoo dot com

When I bought all my parts I did buy the inner seal, just in case. What is it recommended not to split them?
 
It is a liability issue. But if you do careful and clean work like a sensible person, it is no problem. New bolts would be a good idea. And of course, a torque wrench.
 
Torque wrench... no problem! Definitely new bolts. I didn't know if they were special bolts that stretched or something.
 
Ask Peter about the bolts to be certain.
 
I split them! No big deal... yet! So far the pistons have come out much much easier and it sure will make cleaning out he bores and reassembly easier!

I'll keep you posted.
 
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