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To rebuild or replace the calipers, that is the question

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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:03 PM
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Default To rebuild or replace the calipers, that is the question

My Trans Am has 85 K miles, and I'm going to switch to the drilled and slotted rotors, and new pads. SINCE I'll have the brakes apart anyway, should I do something with the calipers? Are they rebuildable? Is it worth the hassle? How about rebuilt units, with core exchange?

Thanks in advance for your input.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:07 PM
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I wrote a "How to" on a caliper rebuild, hosted on www.installuniversity.com
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:55 PM
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Yes, take a look at mitch's write up - its a good one.
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 09:18 PM
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Mitch, thanks. I did check your site as a reference, but I didn't look in the "Install" section as I was looking to "rebuild" the calipers. I know, I should have looked around more.

Oh, BTW, I did follow your instructions on the spark plug replacement, and did it in 2.5 hours. I trick I used was to slip the spark plug socket onto the plug, and then use a 3/4" racket with a short socket that fit the hex fitting on the back of the spark plug socket. While, it worked for me.

Thanks again for Install University!!!
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Old Aug 23, 2004 | 07:01 AM
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You are welcome for the help.

I don't own Install University, only contribute to it.
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Old Aug 23, 2004 | 02:54 PM
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replace them. i was just in the same situation and discovered it cost about 5-10 dollars more to get new ones than it does to have them rebuilt. these were autozone replacement calipers. good luck.

Kyle
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Old Aug 23, 2004 | 05:18 PM
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Autozone sells reman calipers for $25?
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Old Aug 23, 2004 | 09:12 PM
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Autozone reman's(Fenco) are $37.90 per side. I'm not sure if I trust their reman calipers though. I've seen some junk (reman calipers) come out of there before.
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Old Aug 24, 2004 | 03:25 AM
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Not trying to hi-jack the thread just get a little info without starting a new one. My Z28 has over 91,000 miles on it and I just bought some Power Slot rotors and Hawk pads. What are some other inexspensive options as far as Calipers go? Should I replace them or just keep using the ones I have? Also should I get just fronts or all four calipers? Thanks
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Old Aug 24, 2004 | 04:31 PM
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ZR2877, that's not hijacking... I want to know that as well. Don't want to do something that I could have done better with a little more research.
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Old Aug 24, 2004 | 07:21 PM
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The least expensive option is to rebuild what you have.

$20 a side, a couple hours of labor and a lot of self satisfaction
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 09:19 AM
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True, but if I buy remanufactured calipers, then I can take my time and paint them before I do the swap. I read that that procedure is time consuming.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 01:22 PM
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Check with pep boys. I think I saw an ad in the paper for there powder coated front calipers for 99.00. I don't know the the quality of these.
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Old Aug 25, 2004 | 10:30 PM
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Thanks, I'll call them tomorrow.
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 04:34 AM
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I called Napa and got some front reman calipers for around $30. The rears are almost twice as much. I'll wait on those. I have spent way to much on my car this month. Thanks for the info guys I don't have time to rebuild.
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 11:59 AM
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The time required to remove and replace the caliper is the same, regardless if you rebuild or buy reman.

It takes about a hour to rebuild 2 calipers.

How long does it take to drive to NAPA and get back to your garage?
I had the rebuild kits shipped to my house for about $8 each as I recall. So, they were at the shop when I was ready to rebuild.
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 02:11 PM
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I wasn't aware that it would take the same amount of time. Are the remans really that bad?
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Old Aug 29, 2004 | 08:33 AM
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True mitch, the time to rebuild them is the same as the time to swap them, but the time to prep them and paint them while rebuilding them is longer. Of course, the time and money to buy rebuilt calipers is a consideration as well. I was hoping to find a set of 4 calipers off a "retired" car to rebuild and paint at my leisure, and then swap and put my 4 originals up for sale, but that is expensive as well. Also, in calling around for the rebuilds, some companies offer a "loaded" rebuild where they come completely assembied, with all new fitings and hoses. That kinda sounds like a good deal, but it's a far cry from $8 each for the rebuild kit!!
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Old Aug 29, 2004 | 08:45 PM
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My response was more targeted to ZR2877 ...

You are correct ... prep work to paint, painting and drying would be an overnight thing.
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Old Aug 30, 2004 | 09:38 PM
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I guess one could plan it out to do one side of the car - prep and painting and rebuild - and then the other side of the car. That way, if you need to check something, the other side will be available.
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