Front Brake Calipers

[Andy S]

Dropped the car off at the garage because I got fed up with a squeaking noise from passenger side of the car.

It turns out to be a sticking Caliper (passed MOT with this) and this needs replacing. I know it could be fixed. However, it’s the brakes and I haven’t done this job before. So given the modest outlay I think a new caliper is the best way forward for me.

Looked on the Brother’s website and I see they ave a choice of reconditioned original, or new replacements.

Has anyone fitted One of the new ones before. Worried that if they are not a direct replacement I’m going to end up with a brake force imbalance.

Andy S

[steve.n]

Personally I think you would so best to replace as a pair, same as pads.
Steve

[thebadleys]

Personally I think you would so best to replace as a pair, same as pads.
Steve

Agree, always replace brake components in pairs is what I believe is good practice.

Nigel

[Andy S]

Pads and discs I would agree. However, a Caliper I’m not so certain. I wouldn’t want 2 different types of Calipers, but like for like should be a straight replacement.

Andy S

[marshman]

I agree with Steve and Nigel, replace/recondition as a pair. I assume you don't know how old the calipers are or their history so assume the other caliper is old and probably worn as well, it may not be sticking but it will be worn. Rear wheel cylinders I would have no qualms about replacing just one as the rear brakes contribute only a small amount of the braking force but the front brakes are different. They do the lions share of the work and need to be closely matched/balanced. It might be different if the calipers were only 6 months old and one had developed a problem.

Roger

[thebadleys]

Your car your choice, I can only offer an opinion of what I would want to do in that situation, "always replace brake components in pairs is what I believe is good practice".


Nigel

[len]

just sorted my tr6 calipers, sent originals to Big Red and got them reconditioned, 10 days i think, cost a bit more than new probably foreign garbage .
Len

[Andy S]

Okay, you’ve all convinced me. I must admit i don’t mind spending money on brakes.

Has anyone any experience of the new Calipers, rather than using reconditioned ones.

My experiences with new replacement parts has not been great so far, but using these means I can order them and have them to hand when removing the old ones.

The alternative is to remove the old ones, send them off and wait for the replacement reconditioned ones to turn up. This turns a 2 hour job into a 2 week job.

Andy S

[thebadleys]

Agree with you about the timescale and the added expense of returning the old ones it does make the job harder than it should be.

Just looked on Rimmers catalogue and it does appear strange that NEW are cheaper than recon ones, I would be tempted to speak to the and ask the question, why??
Providing you are satisfied with their response its a no brainer, get the new ones and get driving, the weathers due to get better so do it right away, if you order before 3:00pm and pay an extra £3 you can have them tomorrow.

Let us know what they say as well regarding the difference.

Go on do it now

Nigel

[brooklands green]

Just done mine Andy, one was sticking this time last year on way back from Malvern Tr weekend ignored to my expense had to replace calipers discs and bearings got mine from paddocks you just pay a surcharge and they refund when the old ones are returned.

cheers Glyn

[richardthestag]

if the working caliper is working as it should and the other side is a recon "like for like" I see not reason why there should be any brake imbalance at all.

did this with my stag years ago, MoT man would have been very keen to let me know of imbalance from side to side.

save your money. buy recon which will most likely be used old stock with new pistons and seals fitted.

In your boots I would call BIGGRED, they do caliper rebuilds as a core business. I buy all my seals and pistons from them

New is most likely manufactured on other side of the world to a cost. for a car that is standing still 10 months of the year (possibly) then I would want the best for it

[DJT]

Don’t forget there are other suppliers than RB. LD Parts, Robsport, Paddocks, Wards all do them, usually cheaper.

I had mine done a couple of years ago by Biggred and am disappointed that the OE-style plating started to discolour within a few months and now look quite tatty. Perhaps their coloured options are more durable,

[rwdstag]

Robs were brill easy change and change discs as welll as be daft not to
copper ease stuff
although peeps will dis agree with that BUT if you want too get them apart again it’s a no brainier

[Andy S]

This is why I like the forum. Lots of good advice and similar experiences. Thanks everyone, this has been genuinely helpful.

Contacted RB and didn’t really get much information beyond these are your choices. Which is much as I would expect.

Reconditioned Calipers appeal because 44 years for the last one is impressive and probably only an issue now because the car remained unused for so long over winter and spring (fuel pump failed as well this spring).

Used pretty well all the suppliers with mixed success on replacement parts.

i think i’ll ring around tomorrow and see who sends Calipers with surcharge ( I really hate that) and get the car running again.

Andy S

[StagnJag]

The same callipers were also fitted to one of the Ford Transit versions. I can't tell you which one off the top of my head, as a guess the MK1. It might give you another source if you need one. I think we are pretty much covered by 'our' suppliers anyway.

Rgds

Dave