Have I damaged my brake calipers?

[middie]

I am restoring a 79 Midget, and am now starting on the front end. Currently replacing the disk pads and brake lines, so I removed the brake calipers off the brake disk, but then unbolted the two caliper parts.

Naturally I then read the manual, which says "never break the caliper in half". I can see that the brake fluid has to come from the "inside" part of the caliper to the "outside" of the other caliper so both pads can be moved. So now I'm worried that I will be getting brake fluid leaks, and air intake into the brake lines through the join.

Do I now need to buy new calipers, or is there something that can be smeared on the inside joining parts of both caliper halves to make them air/fluid tight?

 

[Gerard]

Warren,

It's best not to split them, but since you already have, get new rubber seals that fit in the bore. Make sure the mating surfaces are clean and smooth and you will probably be OK as long as they don't leak when reassembled.

 

[middie]

Thanks for clearing that up Gerard. At least I can put in the new pistons and rings a bit easier now.

Wazza

 

[JPSmit]

Warren, i split mine and reassembled with no issues. As Gerard says the seal you need is not included in the rebuild kit but other than that no problem. In fact, Classic Motorsports Magazine did it when they rebuilt the brakes on their projrct midget. I can sen you the article if you pm me your email.

Cheers!

 

[regularman]

I had one of my calipers lockup on roadside and the only way I could get it off was take it apart. Luckily, I had a "c" clamp in my tool bag and was able to cool the caliper down and push it back in with the clamp. Put it all back together and bled that caliper and it has been working well since then. Just be clean about it and you should be ok. Keep an eye out for leaks or brake pedal fade.

 

[Guest]

Split and rebuilt mine too w/ no problems using the same seal.

 

[jlaird]

Same, on a friends car.

 

[JPSmit]

Same, on a friends car.

"here, you try it, I'm sure it will be fine. No, i won't come on the test drive but i'm sure it will be fine."

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I'd be sure the bolt threads are real clean and use some appropriate loc-tite that can handle the heat.

 

[middie]

PM sent. Thanks JP.

Wazza