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BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

I had brake imbalance in my MOT, upon investigation I found the above.
Do I service the caliper myself? http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/Manuals/Brakes_Clutch/Restoration/01_rebuilt.pdf
Or would the piston no longer make a good seal / replace the piston?
Or get a second hand caliper?
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x2 33 16v
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The Wombat · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject:

I think it should be possible to service the caliper yourself. I think service kits are still available and will include the piston seal, dust covers etc.

How this goes and how successful it turns out would depend on what you find when you have stripped the caliper down. If the cylinder sides that the piston goes into are scored, or corroded past where the seal stops, it might be best to get a used one known to be good or a new one.

Hope that helps with an idea or two Very Happy

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BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

I've seen the kits and cylinders, could prob get a 2nd hand caliper for cheaper than it costs to fix.
I initially thought the imbalance was due to seized sliders, so when I got the wheel off and checked them to find they moved, I took them off only to find the above. One slide pin was a bit gammy, I cleaned that out and re-lubed it, even though the pads were not seized I also wire brushed all sliding parts, scrapped the parts the bruch couldn’t reach and re-lubed them.
The piston looked like it had some black residue on it, it didn't look corroded but I was running out of time so I didn’t have time to fully inspect it. I didn’t try pushing it as I didn’t want to push dirt past the seal and into the calliper.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

The Wombat · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:12 pm Post subject:

Yep, sounds feasible that a service kit would be more than a used caliper Very Happy

Would be good to know if the piston does move freely, so a good clean and blast with brake cleaner, particularly around the piston edge should make sure no dirt gets done there.

From what you have done, i would guess either the piston is getting sticky, or perhaps a little air trapped in the caliper so not getting good piston movement.

Would it be worth bleeding the system to be sure no air on that caliper? Just a thought.
_________________
Drivers:
- Green Fiat 20VT Coupe
- Champagne 155 V6
- Winter Freelander
- Mrs Wombats Freelander

Projects:
- Various 33s
- Some 155s

Hibernating for 2015
- 75 3.0 Cloverleaf
- 155 Q4 Winny
- Red 33 16v

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

I will see if I can get a dust shield locally easily before I start. I will then remove the old shield, clean the piston and check if it’s fixable.
What ever has happened has caused the pads to wear prematurely and the piston is nearly fully out.
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

The Wombat · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:30 pm Post subject:

That does sound like the piston is seized. Enough pressure to push it out, but too tight in the cylinder for it to return in the natural way (reduced hydraulic pressure and disc throwing it off). That would give the premature pad wear.

Hopefully, with the dust cover broken, it will be dirt or a little corrosion stopping it returning. Worst case would be the cylinder surface or piston itself is damaged.

Sounds like you have a good plan Smile

_________________
Drivers:
- Green Fiat 20VT Coupe
- Champagne 155 V6
- Winter Freelander
- Mrs Wombats Freelander

Projects:
- Various 33s
- Some 155s

Hibernating for 2015
- 75 3.0 Cloverleaf
- 155 Q4 Winny
- Red 33 16v

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

ok

weather permitting now lol.
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

33bits · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 11:20 pm Post subject:

Hopefully the callipers i've sent you Al will solve youre prob. Very Happy

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contact me for any 33 parts. Alex, 07896-327708

lee16v · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 12:53 am Post subject:

I think sending Al some calipers is a long way off solving his problems Alex!! Laughing

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

Did one calliper on Sunday, waiting for the other to arrive to do that one.
What are my problems then Lee? Smile

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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

lee16v · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 1:40 am Post subject:

Ian M · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 11:31 am Post subject:

Lee, stop being nasty to Al...............

Thats my job Laughing

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BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2990 Location: U.K Surrey

lol
flywheel, gearbox, roll cage, bucket seats and harness.
Lack of funds Sad

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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

Ian M · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 3:37 pm Post subject:

Excuses!!
Theres no reason not to take it on track now.
Its got 4 wheels, an engine, seats to sit on and brakes to stop it.
Why do you need all that other stuff?
Get on track and have some fun before your too old.
You dont have to be the most sorted, or fastest car there, you can have as much fun in a standard car as I have proved on a few occasions.

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Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c