Calipers! How to clean and install?

[jjbunn]

I managed to source some used 16P calipers so that I can replace the one that broke on my TR6 when the stub axle detached.

What I have obtained is a pair of calipers that have been spray painted with some sort of silver paint. Inside, where the pistons go, and all the hydraulic connections, is free of paint, but there is some surface rust.

I need to clean them up, somehow, and transfer the pistons from my other calipers. Presumably I will need some sort of rebuild seal kit, and new pads.

I'd welcome any pointers or advice on this process. Is it an easy job, or would I be better having it done professionally?

Thanks!
Julian

 

[TR3driver]

It's a fairly easy job, Julian, I don't think you'll have any trouble with it. Just be sure that after you're done cleaning, the inside of the calipers is free of anything except brake fluid. Unlike the other brake cylinders, the bore of the calipers doesn't form a seal, so rusting and pitting doesn't matter too much unless it's in the seal groove.

If the history is uncertain (eg they might have exposed to something that would attack the O-ring), you might want to split the calipers and replace the O-ring between the halves. Girling said not to ever do that, but lots of people do and it seems to work out OK. The rings aren't in the rebuild kits, tho, so you'll need to source them separately. I think Moss & TRF carry them.

 

[jjbunn]

Thanks Randall: good to know! I'll have a stab at it myself.

 

[Brosky]

Julian,

Randall provides good counsel. Just by chance, do you have a picture of the rust affected area?

 

[jjbunn]

Julian,

Randall provides good counsel. Just by chance, do you have a picture of the rust affected area?

Yes! Showing both chambers.

 

[guzzul]

Nelson Riedel's writeup on this is excellent. These are quite doable...

https://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/Brakes/Front/Front.htm

 

[jjbunn]

Nelson Riedel's writeup on this is excellent. These are quite doable...

https://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/Brakes/Front/Front.htm

That is truly an excellent article: thanks!

What I like about all Nelson's articles is the mixture of humour and practical advice. I'm not sure why he had so much difficulty with the pins, though: on mine they came straight out with hardly any effort.

 

[TRDejaVu]

If the history is uncertain (eg they might have exposed to something that would attack the O-ring), you might want to split the calipers and replace the O-ring between the halves. Girling said not to ever do that, but lots of people do and it seems to work out OK. The rings aren't in the rebuild kits, tho, so you'll need to source them separately. I think Moss & TRF carry them.

I did it and all is still OK with no leaks 2 years later.