C3 - 1971 Brake Caliper - Where?

[Greg F.]

All,

My right front brake caliper is leaking on my 71 small block. The other 3 are fine. The calipers are not original, so I just need a replacement as my car is a driver. Couple of questions:

1. Where is the best place to get one? Local auto parts store or vendor?
2. Will doing one front caliper only cause any issues?
3. Do I need to get a certain type?

Thanks,
Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Brake Caliper - Where?

All,

My right front brake caliper is leaking on my 71 small block. The other 3 are fine. The calipers are not original, so I just need a replacement as my car is a driver. Couple of questions:

1. Where is the best place to get one? Local auto parts store or vendor?
2. Will doing one front caliper only cause any issues?
3. Do I need to get a certain type?

Thanks,
Greg

Greg-----


If the calipers have been previously stainless steel sleeved, which is likely if the calipers are not originals, you can just rebuild them yourself. Kits, including new pistons, are available from most of the Corvette parts sources. If it were me, I'd at least rebuild both of the fronts. If one is leaking, I'll bet the others are not too far behind.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 - 1971 Brake Caliper - Where?

Caliper repair kits are easy to install.
If your calipers already have already been rebuilt with stainless steel sleeves the rusting of the caliper bore of the original production calipers makes the repair easier.

Break loose rubber brake line before removing the caliper.

Loosen the two caliper mounting bolts.

With the two caliper mounting bolts loose you can move the caliper so you can loosen the two bolts that retain the caliper halves together. Lots of torque is applied when these are tightened.

Now you can remove the caliper mounting bolts and lift the caliper and turn/twist the caliper to remove the brake hose.

Cover the brake hose with a rubber nipple to keep dirt out and keep the brake fluid from gravity bleeding brake fluid from the master cylinder.

Remove the brake pad pin and pads and separate the caliper halves.

Remove the dust seals and remove the caliper pistons.

Clean the bores with clean brake fluid and a clean cloth and install new seals lubricated with clean brake fluid on the pistons and install in the caliper with new dust seals.

If your disc brake pads are contaminated with brake fluid they need replacing and the brake disc will also need cleaning.

If your wheel bearings need servicing, now is the time to take care of it with the caliper already off.