Replacing caliper seals

[steve_wilwerding]

I'm getting ready to remove my calipers to paint them, and I'm already planning on replacing the rotors "while I'm in there", though in truth, they do need to be done.

I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the "outer" caliper seal while I'm in there. Last time I changed pads, the seals didn't look too bad, but if they're cheap, and easy to replace, I'm thinking I should just do it.

Is this a good idea, or not?

[MNBoxster]

I'm getting ready to remove my calipers to paint them, and I'm already planning on replacing the rotors "while I'm in there", though in truth, they do need to be done.

I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the "outer" caliper seal while I'm in there. Last time I changed pads, the seals didn't look too bad, but if they're cheap, and easy to replace, I'm thinking I should just do it.

Is this a good idea, or not?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

If they are not leaking, leave them alone. You raise the potential of having a problem if you change the seal. You may make a mistake, or the new seal may have a defect. It's only worth taking this risk if they're leaking and you have to do it.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[KevinC]

It probably depends on how hard you use your brakes. With the way I use mine, I need to service the dust seals every couple of years. The heat from the track frys them and they become brittle and crack. However, on a car which doesn't see the track, they probably last almost indefinitely.

They are pretty easy to replace, but they aren't all that cheap. (Sorry - I forgot the price.) FYI - I was able to replace mine without removing the calipers. However, it would be quite easy when the calipers are off.

[steve_wilwerding]

What's involved with replacing them? Just pull them out and pop in the new ones?

Since I track my car pretty regularly, I think I'll go ahead and change them.

[KevinC]

It's a very low risk repair. The outer seals are not hydraulic seals. They are just dust seals to protect the pistons and inner hydraulic seals. Replace them if there is any question of them drying out and cracking soon.

kc

Hi,

      If they are not leaking, leave them alone. You raise the potential of having a problem if you change the seal. You may make a mistake, or the new seal may have a defect. It's only worth taking this risk if they're leaking and you have to do it.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Edited September 6, 2005 by KevinC

[ar38070]

What's involved with replacing them? Just pull them out and pop in the new ones?

Since I track my car pretty regularly, I think I'll go ahead and change them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes that is it. The dust seals cost about $10/caliper. They come in two different sizes.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I sit corrected. I assumed he was referring to the Hydraulic Seals.:huh:

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

Edited September 7, 2005 by MNBoxster

[steve_wilwerding]

How do you actually change the caliper seals - I can't see how you can easily get off the old ones and install the new ones? Is it easier to push the caliper pistons all the way out?

[ar38070]

How do you actually change the caliper seals - I can't see how you can easily get off the old ones and install the new ones? Is it easier to push the caliper pistons all the way out?

Just grab them and pull them off. The inner surface is just a rubber seal on the piston. The outer surface may be a little harder as there is some spring tension holding it in place. The spring is a metal ring that is molded inside of the seal.