Front Brake Caliper Mk1 Vitesse

[vitesse]

Can anybody tell me how easy or difficult it is to replace a front offside Brake Caliper on a MK1 Vetesse as mine is just about had it ( binding )and the MOT is looming . Also the best place to get one

[Deleted User]

cant you just slide out pads and force it free and llubricate it without drainig fluid, thats all i had to do for mine, had to use lodsa force to free and work it loose but grat now.

[Clive]

You definately should NOT use oil to lubricate the piston, it can/will affect the seals (VERY BAD). Use brake fluid instead, once you have removed the rubber dust seal from around the piston, which can be awkward/fiddely to replace. Moving the piston in and out usually does the trick, but if the piston is badly pitted replacement is the answer, but really in pairs. If the bleed nipples can be freed off ok, it may be worth reconning them yourself, just remove the pistons, remove the o ring type seal from the caliper, clean out well, new seals and pistons. Really is quite straightfoward if the pistons are not totally seized solid, and pumped out as much as poss on the car. Much cheaper than a recon pair, but you may have to paint them yourself!
Otherwise a recon pair of calipers would be best, just a swap and bleed. All the major companys should keep them, try Bill.
Cheers
Clive

[bxbodger]

Before condemning the caliper, check the flexible hoes- if it's been badly clamped at some point in the past (molegrips, etc......) then its possible that its breaking up internally.

This prevents fluid from returning from the caliper when the brake is released and causes binding. Remove the hose and blow through it both ways-there should be no resistance either way.

It cost me a Peugeot 205XS caliper to find this out........ ::)

[Jason]

Calipers are available new or recin from the usual suspects - Dave at http://www.canleyclassics.co.uk or Bill at http://www.rarebits4classics.co.uk/