Type 14 caliper pistons

[molten]

Hello
I am in process of refurbing my calipers and when I stripped out the pistons, I noticed that the smooth surface coating had some pitting caused by small corrosion spots.
Could these be reused or would it likely cause problems later down the line?

Cheers
scott

[Steve Cureton]

You might get away with it if the bores aren't marked, but why risk it for something so critical? Recon claipers can be bought for around £40 each if you shop around (Fitchetts are usually cheapest).

[willcolumbine]

Yes, I wouldn't chance it either. Even if they're okay now, the pitting will very likely get worse and could mean you'll have to do the job again sooner than if you'd fitted new pistons.

[Greenie]

I had similar problems with my pistons and tried to get away with it - unsuccessfully, they seize very quickly.

I've just ordered a new pair of calipers on ebay for £100. I don't know what the quality is like yet but as they come with a money back guarantee I can send them back if they look rubbish.

[Howard81]

I bought a pair of recon calipers for my MKIV from James Paddocks, which are excellent :)

[uksnatcher]

Talking of ebay....

If its these ones you bought i got a pair in march and they are spot on (no connection just good bits):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-TYPE-14-TRIUMPH-HERALD-SPITFIRE-BRAKE-CALIPERS-X-2-/370397333103?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item563d66c66f

[Greenie]

uksnatcher wrote:

Talking of ebay....

If its these ones you bought i got a pair in march and they are spot on (no connection just good bits):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-TYPE-14-TRIUMPH-HERALD-SPITFIRE-BRAKE-CALIPERS-X-2-/370397333103?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item563d66c66f

These are the ones I've just ordered
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200542084363&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[mikeyb]

or new pistons for about a tenner apiece . . .

[Paudman]

MikeyB wrote:

or new pistons for about a tenner apiece . . .

£4 apiece on eBay, (I bought four for £16 earlier in the year, will try to locate the seller's details and post) unless you want the stainless ones which go for slightly more.

[molten]

Hello
Thanks for all the comments. I was thinking that although the will contain brake fluid the old pistons would inevitably begin to corrode again and possibly cause the caliper to start to rust too.
As there is nothing wrong with calipers themselves (other than surface rust on main body - which is easily removed via electrolysis kit), I plan to re use calipers and use new pistons, seals due to restricted budget.
Hopefully all shpould be ok then.

Thanks all

[firebobby]

These  get a good write up from Practical classics and you can choose the finish.
http://www.biggred.co.uk/caliperpricing.html

[mikeyb]

490 wrote:

£4 apiece on eBay, (I bought four for £16 earlier in the year, will try to locate the seller's details and post) unless you want the stainless ones which go for slightly more.

well done!  I was basing the price on Stag ones that I have just bought - even better that you found cheaper :-)

[greenbonnie]

1936 wrote:

These are the ones I've just ordered
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200542084363&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

i also bought a set of this seller they are very good. did have an issue on the mot. with fluid leaking from the joint. contacted the seller. faulty one exchanged with no problem. even though i had them on the car for months in the garage. very recomended seller. pete