Remanufactured brake calipers - anyone used YCP Automotive?

[mccrackenj]

Hi all

Need a replacement front caliper for a Mk1 1.8.

Anyone any experience of remanufactured calipers in general - or these guys in particular?


http://stores.ebay.co.uk/YCP-Automotive_MAZDA-BRAK...


Had to have a rear caliper replaced at last MOT which cost me £150 + fitting. At these prices these guys are quoting (£71 for rear and £63 for front) I'm tempted to replace the other 3 plus discs and pads all round while I'm at it.

Any comments or experiences (or other recommendations) welcome.

Thanks

[mccrackenj]

Anyone?

[G_T]

Not used the company you state.

However this company will do it for £120 the pair and they come highly recommended in VW forums. If you pay a bit more they'll give them nice gold/silver electrocoated finish which is always nice!

http://www.biggred.co.uk/caliperstore3.html#mazda

I changed a set of MX5 mk1 calipers some years ago and it was a piece of piss. I wouldn't pay someone to fit unless you're very cack handed. The back ones are a little bit more tricky mind but still work a bash.

Rebuild kits from the above company will cost you about a tenner so you may want to consider having a bash yourself if you have the time. Just make sure the pistons aren't fooked. It's literally just a couple of seals.

If money is tight and you don't fancy rebuilding, I'd be tempted to get them from a broken Mx5 assuming it's a recent one. Expect to pay £30 from a brakers delivered but make sure you don't get stuck with one with knackered seals.

Be sure to put cling film over the reservoir if you're removing them yourself. Also FFS don't spill the fluid anywhere. It's horrible st.

[useyourdellusion]

Price seems quite fair. I've just taken the rear calipers off my Dads MK1 1.8 MX5 (easy job I thought) and we are about to buy some recon. ones on an exchange basis from a company in Birmingham (the name of which escapes me).

They are charging £50 per caliper with exchange.

Beware used ones from a scrappy, they are (apparently) prone to seizing regularly on these models, so you may be no better off.

I may live to regret saying that on here though!

[G_T]

Did me fine for a few years. There's no special reason why it would fail on an MX5 more than any other car. I would just make sure it's recent broken and inspect the seals, but it's your call.

The front ones are easier than the rear as you don't need to wind them with the same poncy splined mechanism (which I find is very easy to misalign and round off!). That and there's obviously no handbrake.

£50 a caliper rebuilt is very reasonable. Get 'em fitted.