Calipers. To rebuild or not to rebuild?

[#1Aggie]

I have a '93 Gen X with 2WD and have posted a few times here over the last week discussing a roaring noise coming from my front end after doing a complete overhaul on then front end. I.E brakes, rotors and bearings.

Prior to the rebuild, I lost my inner pad all together on the drivers side and the caliper piston had traveled almost all the way out when it was pushing against the metal part of the pad.

I am beginning to think that my left caliper is sticking some and not letting off of the pad as it is supposed to do.

My questions are:

1. Should I rebuild my self for $4/side or...
2. Replace with rebuilts from auto-parts house.
3. If I replace with rebuilts, O' Rielly sells them for $14 for phenolic pistons and another shop sells them for $22
with SS pistons. Which is better phenolic or SS. Ford wants $43/side. O'Rielly uses a rebuild shop named A1-Condon (sp?).
4. Any recommendations or good or bad expereince with rebuilts.

 

[BradE.]

Just buy rebuilt ones. I'd get the steel pistions. Make sure to get new caliper slide pins and repack them with grease before installing the rebuilt calipers.

 

[Glacier991]

I'm with BradE. Buy rebuilt with steel pistons.

 

[#1Aggie]

Thanks!

I checked again with O'Reilly and they said for $17, I could get the steel pistons. So, I will try them.

How about bleeding the system? My Haynes manual said to make sure that I plug the hose quickly. its says that if you get air into the control unit then there is a special bleed equipment and procedure to use.

If I disconnect the old one and immediately connect to the new one, I should be able to bleed normally, right?

 

[Glacier991]

Yeah, as soon as you disconnect the line plug it or tape it... fill the new one with fluid by pouring into the attach hole for the line... change the position a little to make sure you have it filled. It'll make it much easier later. when you are ready unplug/tape the line and connect it. You should be fine. If you get air in the ALA unit, there's a special tool you ned to bleed, it cycles the pump. If anyone wants one I have a brand new Thexton one in the box for $100 <sheepish grin at the plug>.

Happy Exploring

Chris