4 piston calipers, reman or to rebuild?

RETed · 04-07-2012, 07:27 AM

The biggest problem with trying to rebuild brake calipers is that the bores / pistons are pitted due to corrosion.
This is especially true when you're trying to use parts that have been sitting around for a long time - i.e. junkyard.

At least with the reman, there should be a warranty in case you run into problems.

There is no real specialty tools to rebuild the brake calipers.
A pick is suggested, but you can get away with a toothpick...
The problem is more that you have to be detailed and inspect and lubricate everything properly.

-Ted

Pete_89T2 · 04-07-2012, 08:12 AM

Rebuilding the 4-pot calipers is easy to do, and works well only if there's no pitting or corrosion in the bores or pistons. FWIW, the caliper rebuild kit from Mazda contains only the seals/soft parts, and costs something like $20~40. What I would do before buying anything is tear down your junkyard calipers first; if there's ANY pitting or corrosion in the bores & pistons, or it just looks questionable, then use them as cores and purchase reman calipers. Like Ted said, those junkyard parts could have been sitting out there for years and are most likely trashed. If nothing else, tearing down the junkyard calipers for inspection before shipping them out as cores will help you learn how they are put together for a minimal investment in time.

04-07-2012, 08:12 AM	#2
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	Rebuilding the 4-pot calipers is easy to do, and works well only if there's no pitting or corrosion in the bores or pistons. FWIW, the caliper rebuild kit from Mazda contains only the seals/soft parts, and costs something like $20~40. What I would do before buying anything is tear down your junkyard calipers first; if there's ANY pitting or corrosion in the bores & pistons, or it just looks questionable, then use them as cores and purchase reman calipers. Like Ted said, those junkyard parts could have been sitting out there for years and are most likely trashed. If nothing else, tearing down the junkyard calipers for inspection before shipping them out as cores will help you learn how they are put together for a minimal investment in time.