hello all,

 

Can someone advise the best place to get a brake caliper recon kit, got a feeling the pistons are seizing, as brake performance is down and getting worse, discs and pads look ok. dont really wanna pay out big money for a total brake upgrade just yet.

 

cheers

Try MJP (mike) in the traders section.

or mate try e-bay there pretty cheap

Yeah seen em on fleabay but i'm a little reluctant to buy from there, had anyone got these from there before???

There A Pretty Simple Kit But If In Doubt Try Brakes International In Rochdale They Specialiize In Refurbing Calipers And Do The Kits

Does the caliper recon help if the caliper is warped? I get a nasty vibration when braking a bit hard at high speed (50mph+), as far as im aware this is the calipers and not the discs.....

anyone clarify this or suggest a 'budget' fix ?? No point spending a lot as I intend to upgrade the brakes in a few months anyway

very unlikely - its either wheel balancing - warped discs or the brake tension rods worn thats causing that.

 

Does the steering wheel vibrate at that speed without braking? If so the wheels need balancing -but its also worth changing the brake discs - they arnt expensive £120 should get you a pair and change the pads. If it still shakes then its the tension rods....

try big-red.com or something. They refirb your calipers and powder coat them red.

Braided brake lines will improve your brakes, as will a fluid change. Sounds like you need new tie rod bushes too. MJP for the kit - it's easy to do.

 

good luck

 

Jack

very unlikely - its either wheel balancing - warped discs or the brake tension rods worn thats causing that.

 

Does the steering wheel vibrate at that speed without braking? If so the wheels need balancing -but its also worth changing the brake discs - they arnt expensive £120 should get you a pair and change the pads. If it still shakes then its the tension rods....

 

 

Definately not wheel balancing, it feels like warped discs, although I have been told the calipers are prone to warping as well (on my version anway 1990). Anyone got more info on tension rods, how would I inspect them/test them?

Warped disks are more common on Autos than Manuals. With Autos you brake hard, heat the disks and when you come to a stop you keep the pedal pressed. The pads hold the hot disks and it cools at different rates and the disk warps. So, if it's an Auto, don't hold the brakes hard once you've slowed down.

 

From my experience, warped disks will show when you are braking slowly at really slow speeds - you'll feel the disk vibrating on the brake pedal.

 

Front tie rod bushes if original are silicone filled and crack and the silicone leaks - get under the car and have a look. Replacements are either Poly (easy to fit and cheap) original bushes from MJP (about £50 each and tough to fit) replacement arms inc bushes (about £110 each, easy to fit) or rose jointed variants - not sure of price. Personally I'd buy the original bushes from MJP.

 

And while you are at it, the caliper repair kit from MJP is easy to fit and you'll need some new brake fluid too.

 

Braided hoses are the best upgrade for the money.

 

Start with what's easy - tie rod ends as these will need replacing whatever state your brakes are in. Then if it still vibrates (and at low speeds) then it's disks.

 

Good luck

 

Jack

I would suggest you googled or ebay might be a worth trying.

Good Luck :) :)

just get them from MJP! genuine parts & they aint that much!

Definately not wheel balancing, it feels like warped discs, although I have been told the calipers are prone to warping as well (on my version anway 1990). Anyone got more info on tension rods, how would I inspect them/test them?

 

Calipers don't warp :rolleyes:

From what you describe 100% it's the tension rod bushes causing it and they're the cheapest to replace before you start changing disks.

Speak to Mike at MJP :)

get replacement pistons and a seal kit off ebay. the pistons seize and stck eventually. force em out and replace and good as new.