BRAKE CALIPERS

[WSU77]

Hey everyone, I want to change my calipers, but should i just go to murrays and buy then, or is there a better place to go for a better caliper? thank you all for the help you will give.

[Dominic]

What year model is your car and what are you trying to accomplish with different calipers?

[WSU77]

Sorry, '97 firebird, and I am only trying to replace them with something that will do at least the same job that the manufacturer's part does. i have had problems before with cheap brake pads, so i upgraded, and i dont want to make the same mistake with my calipers. thanks.

[WSU77]

Any Comments?

[FirebirdGT]

You can't just replace your calipers, that's a brake SYSTEM upgrade. How many thousands do you have to spend?


http://www.baer.com/prod_info1.shtm

[WSU77]

OK here is my plan. I have 69k on the calipers. 12k on the pads, and 12k on the rotors. my brakes are pulsing right now, so what i am going to do is replace my pads cuz i have raybestos lifetime warranty with them, i am also going to replace my rotors, and i wanted to replace my calipers also. murrays auto parts sells the calipers for 16.99 a piece. What i was wondering is if those would be suitable enough to do the same job that the manufacturers calipers did. i dont want to upgrade and spend a ton of money i am looking for something that will do the same as stock calipers. i just wanted to see if anyone had any input on the calipers. thank you for all your help.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by WSU77:
murrays auto parts sells the calipers for 16.99 a piece. What i was wondering is if those would be suitable enough to do the same job that the manufacturers calipers did. <hr></blockquote>


Sorry, but no way could you buy a new caliper for that price. That must be a caliper rebuild kit.

GM list is $175 each, gmpartsdirect is $88 each for the front.

[John_D.]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by WSU77:
I have 69k on the calipers. 12k on the pads, and 12k on the rotors. my brakes are pulsing right now<hr></blockquote>

The 69k on the calipers is no big deal. The calipers will be good for a long, long time.

The only time I've had to replace calipers is on an older vehicle, shortly after a brake job, and the piston starts hanging up or the brake hose is plugged. The symptom will be a dragging brake and continously pulling to that side, or the car jerking to one side when applying the brake, because one side is not engaging. I've done this one four vehicles -- '82 firebird, '78 GMC pickup, '83 pontiac safari wagon, '92 camaro. Mine or family member cars. Moisture in the brake fluid leads to this.

The brake pulsing - to what degree? Is this the pedal pulsing, the steering wheel jiggling, the whole car shaking?

Sounds like warped rotors. Usually the fronts are the most noticeable. I would do rotors only, and leave the calipers alone.

To reduce warping in the future, be careful with lug nut torque, and with spraying water on the brakes when they are hot. (Car wash...)

[WSU77]

Hey Firebird, I am not contesting the fact that its a rebuilt caliper, but the price is $16.99. My question is whether it will do the same job as the stock ones or am I taking a risk. I appreciate your answer.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by WSU77:
Hey Firebird, I am not contesting the fact that its a rebuilt caliper, but the price is $16.99. My question is whether it will do the same job as the stock ones or am I taking a risk. I appreciate your answer.<hr></blockquote>

I have a hard time believing that it is a rebuilt caliper for that price, I think all you'll get is a REBUILD KIT, for you to rebuild the stock caliper yourself. If it really is an entire caliper for $17 I personally wouldn't touch it.

[TealV6]

I'm not sure what year the LS1 and the V6 started sharing the same front brake system, but I know that on my 94 I'll be ordering my LS1 front upgrade next week. This include the spindle and caliper. Just have to figure out what rotors I want to go with them. (note - newer LS1's have dual piston calipers) This is why I'm upgrading. Need some more stopping power.

Might want to check yours and see if you have single or dual piston calipers.

Steve

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by TealV6:
I'm not sure what year the LS1 and the V6 started sharing the same front brake system<hr></blockquote>

The front brakes have always been same on both the V8 and V6's. In 98 the fronts were changed to two piston calipers, all pre-98 are single piston. Also in 98 rear discs became standard for all F-bodies regardless of engine.

Having a 96 I also bought a "LS1 Kit" to install the larger 98+ front brakes. Pre-98 cars can also install the pre-98 rear discs, but not the 98+ rears (and they are the same size anyway).

[WSU77]

They are rebuilt, and they are all assembled. I was weary with them also that is why I started this post. I am going to call Ramchargers, a performance store here in michigan to see their input, and if they would have anything available. Thanks guys for all your input i appreciate it.