A question about brake calipers.

[Z51JEFF]

Is it possible to hone aluminum calipers and how do I get the piston in the bore without nicking the seal?

[lbszr]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

Is it possible to hone aluminum calipers and how do I get the piston in the bore without nicking the seal?

I have never tried honing them.

I did nick one also.



I used to rebuild them every year since I took it to the track. Assuming your talking about the pressure seal in the groove and not the dust seal. I start them by lightly starting them with a twisting motion and constant pressure, they won't twist much once they seat harder on the seal. When they can't be twisted anymore, keep a steady pressure on them and rock them back and forth, when they won't rock anymore, I put a rod in the center and probably takes 50 to 150 lbs of pressure. They push all the way in with minimal pressure once they start by hand. Lube the seal with brake fluid.

Hope this helps.

DRM sells stainless pistons.

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

Is it possible to hone aluminum calipers and how do I get the piston in the bore without nicking the seal?

There is no honing of C4 brake calipers because the piston seal is in the bore and rides on the piston surface.

You need to read the Factory Service Manual for it's instructions on how to overhaul rear calipers before you start the job. The FSM will also tell you how to reset the parking brake part of the rear caliper.

Overhaul kits are available from Rockauto.com.

Also, you can use brake fluid as an assembly lube but best results come if you use a dedicated brake parts assembly lube. I get mine from Wilwood but there are similar products sold by other vendors.