Used Brake Caliper Advice

[FRMATT]

Recently purchased these as an upgrade from the standard 288mm ones on my Ibiza (these are 312mm ones from a TT).

I have new discs and pads and I plan to give them a cosmetic refurb, but not sure whether to change the seals while I'm at it, the kit is about £20 plus will take some of my time in disassembling reassembling etc. Other option being to spend on upgraded fluid or braided hoses?

[Nick3point2]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

[FRMATT]

Is there anyway to find out if the seals are perished before fitting aside from a visual check?

[one eyed mick]

FRMATT said:

Is there anyway to find out if the seals are perished before fitting aside from a visual check?

not really ,ease back the dust cover if there is fluid the seals are bo---k-ed if there is rust there they need recon if the pitting can be cleaned out if not scrap em

[FRMATT]

Thanks, I looked under the dust seal and it's all fine, so a quick scrub and paint and they will be ready to fit

[Nick3point2]

Stick some "after" photos to go with the "before" already shown.

[FRMATT]

For far I've attacked one caliper with some brake cleaner, grease remover and a dremel:

They appear to have had the outside painted so that comes off fairly easily, but the inside has about rather a lot of dust impregnated into surface.

I'm quite busy with university work at the moment so I'll get bits done when I fancy a break, students these days eh!

[Classic Grad 98]

This is the 21st century- people don't repair calipers anymore, y'know!?
In all seriousness, unless you know the donor car did a million miles, don't bother. Coppaslip the bits that want coppaslip, grease the bits that want greasing, and check they don't bind when you fit them.

[FRMATT]

I think I've really put my (useless) Fine Art A Level to good use:

[Tunku]

Nice job. I'm trying to work up the enthusiasm to do that to my old caliper so I can flog it, to help fund a new one for the other side. Yes, they are handed.

[FRMATT]

Finally fitted these to the car!