| Author | Message | ||
     Tyler VanHorn (Rashenup) New Member Username: Rashenup Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
Today I discovered that the left front brake caliper on my 95 D1 with ~98k miles is sticking. So naturally I'm now looking to get this fixed. I'm planning on just replaceing the calipers myself since i have access to help and all the equipment i could need for the job. i've done some work on my disco, but nothing like chaning out brake calipers, so i've got a few questions for those who have some experince in this department. 1. My freind (who is a mechanic) suggested that I replace both front calipers at the same time since the he's found that once one goes, the other isn't far behind. Has anyone found this to be true? Or is changing both of them a complete waste? 2. I've never done this before, so what do i need to replace? I'm thinking that i'm just gonna get new calipers and pads, but is there more that i'm going to need that i'm missing?? 3. Is there any trick to getting the calipers back on correctly?? I thought i'd ask now before i got half way through and got stuck, or end up spending way too long because i didn't know a little trick to make it easier =] 4. Since calipers aren't cheap, is there a (semi)permanent fix for the stuck caliper that would save me from having to buy new ones? 5. Is there anything else that i should check to make sure is working good while the disco is up on the lift and the wheels are off?? Whew! i guess i had more questions than i orginally thought. If you have insight on one of these (or all!! =]) I'd greatly appreciate the advice! | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Senior Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 320 Registered: 05-2003 |
I don't know about changing both Calipers at the same time since this is not really a part that "wears" out like pads or rotors, the Calipers should not need to be changed out simultaneously. I would go ahead and change only the part that's broken save the rest of the money in case you don't get it to work correctly and need to take the truck to the shop. As far as the caliper goes, I have not had Caliper problems on my disco but I have experienced this problem on my previous car, I tried to make the unit work but could not by purging out the old brake fluid and re-filling it but that did not work so I ended up buying a new caliper, you do have to make sure you get all the air out of the new caliper completely or else you'll have braking problems on that side. There should be no major problems getting the caliper back on the rotor, I've had to change my rotors on the front and to do that I had to take the Caliper out, it simply gets bolted back into place just make sure you don't damage the brake lines when your taking them off. Once your car is up on the lift check the Cats for leaks or rattles, the entire exhaust system for cracks or leaks and/or loose pipes. Re-greese your axels and that's all I can think off. | ||
| Tbow (Tbow) Member Username: Tbow Post Number: 197 Registered: 12-2002 |
ALL parts begin to wear the minute you put them on. Granted, while the calipers don't wear at the rate of the pads or rotors. Caliper pistons do and can wear against the bore and cause it to stick and not release properly. Generally, if you replace one, it is very advisable to replace the other especially when your talking about such an important safety item. And especially if your brake fluid has been contaminated, which you may not even be aware of. There are plenty of other areas to skimp on but this is not one of them. Replace them both and be done with them. | ||
| Tyler VanHorn (Rashenup) New Member Username: Rashenup Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
I certainly agree that this is an area not to skip. Brakes need to work. The more i think abuot it, i'm probally just going to do both. Although i'm leaving for vacation for about a week, so the repair might have to wait just a little bit. At least we weren't planning on taking my disco on this trip. That would have been very unfortunate. Thanks for the advice! | ||
| Brian (Bthaxton) Member Username: Bthaxton Post Number: 94 Registered: 02-2003 |
Autozone has rebuilt Disco calipers for $45/ea. after core exchange. They come with a limited lifetime warranty. The problem is they keep selling them out nationally because of all the auto repair shops buying them up. | ||
| Kristopher March (Apexdisco) Senior Member Username: Apexdisco Post Number: 336 Registered: 02-2002 |
Brian, Is there a part no. for the Disco calipers @ Autozone or will know when I go to ask about them in my area? | ||
| Mike M (Rangeroverhp) Member Username: Rangeroverhp Post Number: 236 Registered: 09-2003 |
Tbow is right. When one fails, the other isn't too far behind, usually. When you're dealing with something as important as breaks, don't skimp out. | ||
| Frode Hübertz Haaland (Discofrode) Member Username: Discofrode Post Number: 153 Registered: 02-2002 |
You do NOT have to replace calipers if one/more of the pistons are sticking: You will have to replace pistons and seals only (along with the brake fluid of course). You'll need 8 pistons along with seals to suit; do all of them while you're at it. This is going to get far cheaper than replacing. Mind: the maintenance schedule asks you to replace all the seals every...hmmm...sixth year anyway - but pistons should have lasted longer than this, but they often don't. For procedure, check in on Ottos site of course for an explanation and use your manual to do the job: http://home.halden.net/discovery You'll find it in brakes sections of the site. |
