Help! Brake fluid leaking out of calipers

[lionvt]

I need some basic info on this one. I have never had to tackle the brakes on this vehicle (91 RRC) so I don't know much about it. But I guess I will soon find out because today I just lost almost all brake pressure. Over the last few days a shuddering noise had been coming from the brakes at low speed. Now, there is basically no brakes. There is no fluid in the reservoir and when I add the fluid it just runs out of right front brake. It is not coming from the brake lines but instead from the caliper.

What gives? I need a basic primer on this one so I would greatly appreciate some education. And is this the sort of thing a DIYer can handle or is it time to tow the beast to a reputable shop?

 

[GregH]

Seals are leaking. You've basically three options:

1. Rebuild your caliper (replace seals and pistons) yourself if still rebuildable.

2. Purchase rebuilt caliper and R&R.

3. Purchase a new replacement caliper and R&R.

Whichever option you need to remove the caliper. To check out caliper, remove the pistons from the caliper and check the bores for rust or damage to bores. Check pistons for scoring, rust or corrosion. If bores look good and no rust then you could try replacing all the seals and any pistons that need it. Last I looked, seal kits ran $25-30 per caliper and pistons about $8-12 ea. (4 per caliper)

That said-I haven't had good luck rebuilding the Lockheed calipers. They start leaking again after 10-15k after each rebuild in my experience.

As far as rebuilt calipers I've had good luck with a brake caliper rebuilder in Anaheim. I think AB and BP sell them as well. Probably the best deal costwise.

Eventually, I replaced one side with a new Lockheed caliper and the other I used a rebuilt. So far (25k) no leaks either way.

Of course, flush and replace all brake fluid (DOT 4) and properly bleed after replacing caliper.

As to whether you can handle it or not? If you've done brakes before it is easy on the RRC. Note that when bleeding the front RRC calipers there are two circuits to bleed per caliper.

Replace pads too since probably contaminated with brake fluid. Check rotor condition too since you're into it this far. To replace rotors is a bit more involved and you'll need all the proper seals, gaskets etc. to do so.

Good luck-

 

[Morpheus]

GO to a local Acme of Autozone and get a new one for about $70...you get a full warantee as well....easy to replace

 

[FrankyRizzo]

I just did the front on my Disco. Very easy to do. If you need a source drop me a PM.

 

[mensley]

Go to a local Acme of Autozone and get a new one for about $70...you get a full warantee as well....easy to replace

ya, I have replaced my Front Left caliper 5 times in the last year (just ordered the sixth) you have to love that lifetime warantee

BTW I am about to replace my master cylinder... it has been messing up calipers

edit: If you come down to dallas I can install your caliper in about 20 minutes... + another 15 minutes to bleed the brakes

 

[lionvt]

Thanks for the info

Thanks for all the input. Any opinions on the original vs. proline vs. rebuilt calipers?

 

[az_max]

SpanishForkrovers had a nice article on bleeding the brakes on an ABS model, but their site seems to have gone Tango Uniform.

I bought a pressure bleeder when I had to remove the calipers to get to the steering knuckle. (stupid design using hard plumbing, but I digress..) turned out to be a good deal, and I had all 4 wheels bled in no time. If you don't want to spring for one, atleast get a one-man bleeder kit or a vacuum pump bleeder.
Before you start, get a couple big containers of dot4 brake fluid, and a set of caps or plugs to put in the lines while the caliper is out. Don't clamp or crimp the rubber brake lines to stop the flow.

I have no opinion on rebuilt vs OEM. but I do agree with Mason, autozone, schucks/checker, chief, etc never seem to be the same quality as NAPA or dealer rebuilt. I remember replacing 6 starters on a big block chevelle. Lifetime warranty is nice, but not when I'm replacing the same part every 2 weeks.

az_max

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpag...scription=Brake+Caliper+-+Right+Front+-+Remfd

 

[Chris-St Louis]

Tommy: Let's think about this for a sec, Ted, why would somebody put a guarantee on a box? Hmmm, very interesting.

Ted Nelson, Customer: Go on, I'm listening.

Tommy: Here's the way I see it, Ted. guy puts a fancy guarantee on a box 'cause he wants you to fell all warm and toasty inside.

Ted Nelson, Customer: Yeah, makes a man feel good.

Tommy: 'Course it does. Why shouldn't it? Ya figure you put that little box under your pillow at night, the Guarantee Fairy might come by and leave a quarter, am I right, Ted?

Ted Nelson, Customer: What's your point?

Tommy: The point is, how do you know the fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy, well, we're not buying it. He sneaks into your house once, that's all it takes. The next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser and your daughter's knocked up, I seen it a hundred times.

Ted Nelson, Customer: But why do they put a guarantee on the box?

Tommy: Because they know all they solda ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me.

Ted Nelson, Customer: [pause] Okay, I'll buy from you.

Tommy: Well, that's... What?

 

[KevinNY]

My SeriesIII coil conversion has '89 RR axles and brakes and I just replaced everything, everything. AB has it all in stock, which is nice since it's 20 minutes from me. The rebuilt calipers even came loaded with brake pads. The bleed order on the front is inside top, inside bottom, outside bottom. Do the rear first of course. Make sure that the 2 fixed lines from the caliper to the bracket on top of the swivel ball clear the springs at full lock of the steering.

 

[az_max]

Isn't brake fluid also flammible? wouldn't that be a bad thing to have leaking on a hot rotor?

 

[KevinNY]

Its also a great paint remover, be careful.

 

[FrankyRizzo]

Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time.

My favorite line of all time!