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On 27 Jun 2001, at 15:13, Henrik Larsson wrote: > I had a look at the brake calipers today on my 1968 Notch. The outside > of the calipers look battered, with broken bleeder valves and so on. > When I removed the brake pads I noted that there were no "piston > retaining plates" present at all and that only the two outer pistons > have the cut-out for the "piston retaining plates". These sound like they have already been "professionally rebuilt." > I have access to professionally rebuilt calipers at a reasonable cost. I > just wonder if I should try to rebuild my own calipers to save some > money. If the "piston retaining plates" are necessary, then I would need > two new pistons and then it seems easier to buy the rebuilt calipers. New pistons are probably expensive, and I don't know if the OE style with the cutouts are still available. If you go for the rebuilds, take a pair of large pliers (Channellocks) and squeeze each piston back in its cylinder. If they push back and then pop back out about 1mm then they are rebuilt to OE specs. Otherwise, the compensating pins have probably been broken off inside by the rebuilder. If you do this test, be VERY careful not to let the pliers slip and scrape on the rubber boot. If you do, the boot WILL be torn and MUST be replaced; you just bought that caliper. I always rebuild my own, but it can be difficult and there are some tricks and tools involved. - Jim Adney jadney@vwtype3.org Madison, WI 53711-3054 USA ------------------------------------------------------------------- Search old messages on the Web! Visit http://www.vwtype3.org/list/