996 / Boxster S caliper rebuild

[Toby]

My left rear caliper seems to be binding.

I noticed (heard :eek: ) the inside pad is worn to the backing plate when the outside pad still has 1/3 left. This has happened for the last two sets of pads. At the Glen I also felt the car pulled hard to the right when I brake for the bus stop. (I imagine the stuck piston is preventing the ABS pump from releasing that caliper?)

Are these newer Brembos are rebuildable like the older ones? (I searched the internet and can't find any articles) Would a rebuild help with the problem? (e.g. are the pistons just out of round?)

If so how difficult and how time consuming? (Relative to the ~$300 I think for a brand new one, or less if rebuilt ones are available.)

Thanks for your help!

Toby

[nick49]

Usually what happens, is a piston on a heavily worn pad may cock slightly in the bore or become coated with brake dust, which will make it not retract properly. Removing the pistons, cleaning them and fitting new pads usually corrects the problem.

[clubhead]

...

If so how difficult and how time consuming? (Relative to the ~$300 I think for a brand new one, or less if rebuilt ones are available.)

Thanks for your help!

Toby

I'm planning to change out the pistons seals as a preventive maintenance in a couple of weeks. They're basically rubber dust seals that prevents dust from getting between the pistons and the caliper body. I'm having my regular workshop perform this job and will advise how difficult it is once it's done.

[insite]

...

If so how difficult and how time consuming? (Relative to the ~$300 I think for a brand new one, or less if rebuilt ones are available.)

Thanks for your help!

Toby

I'm planning to change out the pistons seals as a preventive maintenance in a couple of weeks. They're basically rubber dust seals that prevents dust from getting between the pistons and the caliper body. I'm having my regular workshop perform this job and will advise how difficult it is once it's done.

there are two sets of seals. the dust seals (outer seals) won't improve caliper performance or remedy a binding caliper. the inner seals are tougher to find; PM me if you need some.

if your caliper is binding, chances are there is some damage to the thermal barrier surface treatment on one or more pistons. the pistons and calipers are all aluminum. to prevent binding and slow heat transfer, each piston is coated. new pistons can be purchased or the old ones recoated. FYI, all seals (outer and inner) total about $50 per caliper.

[Toby]

Cleaned the pistons and changed out all inner and outer seals last week. Time consuming, but not difficult.

Thanks for your help.

Edited August 16, 2007 by Toby