I'm doing a good many HPDE weekends lately. I use Carbotech pads and use the same set of rotors with them. I have oem pads and another set of rotors for street use that I put on after each event. No brake problems at the track or on the street and I inspect everything before and after each event. I've started bleeding/flushing the system regularly too.

So the question is: do I need to rebuild the calipers on some sort of schedule or inspect and rebuild when necessary.

Also, I've got the FSM but is rebuilding the caliper within the ability of a typical DIYer.

 

Pull off the calipers and take a look at the piston seals. If they look fine then no need to rebuild. If they look like they're deteriorating or slipping off then rebuild it. I went ahead and rebuilt just because my used Brembos had 100k miles on them

 

Thanks. They look just fine so I'll just keep inspecting them. I'm kind of amazed how well they have held up. They track I typically run is very hard on brakes and I've seen them smoking more than once.

 

Speaking of Calipers, I was wondering if you could help me. I have the base model single piston brakes. I was changing my brakes a couple of months ago. Unscrewed a single bolt, and turned the caliper upside down, still attached by one bolt, the top one, closes to the top of the car. While trying to push the piston back in. The caliper came loose, as in the top bolt popped out. I noticed it had a different end. Is this a problem. I have not noticed an issue while on the track at VIR or Shenandoah.

Thanks,

Mike

 

Take off the bolt and check the threading. Does it torque down all the way when you put it back on?

 

Took my car into the shop. They calipers are destroyed. Like the OP, I use carbotech and track my car alot. Apparently, I melted the seals on my calipers and more. My mechanic suggest to get a brake upgrade or get a new set. I have a Base 03 Zed. He is suggesting either go Brembo, or get the 05+ dual piston calipers. I think I want to go with the later, I hear I'd have to go from 17" wheels to 18" wheel if I go with a big brake kick. What do you think?

 

Most 17" wheels will clear 328mm Stoptech kit. Same with the OEM Brembos

 

The manual suggestions 20 lbs/ft. Last time I did my brakes, I went with because 20 just didn't feel like a lot. What do you guys torque to?

 

Stock 17" wheels fit over Brembo Calipers fine...I use OEM 17's on my race car when it is on the Garage...I am SURE they will fit over the OEM 2 piston brakes as well.

 

They installed the dual piston calipers onto my Z. No issues! I have to say they are a nice upgrade from the 03-04/5 single piston calipers. Quite a bit bigger. I can't wait to take it to the track! I suspect less brake fade. Would you say that is the best benefit? i got these calipers for 200 bucks off ebay!

 

I'm in the process of rebuilding my brembos. I used an air compressor to remove the pistons, only a few came out. I have damaged two of them pulling the out myself. Any ideas of a way to remove them with out damaging the rest? Thank

 

Once you pop out one (or one set) piston on a multi-piston caliper, the others won't come out using air pressure, for obvious reasons. I use a piece of scrap wood, about the thickness of the brake rotor, and keep it in the caliper as I'm pushing out the pistons. That will let them all pop almost all the way out at the same time, so you can complete the task by hand. Try putting the other two pistons back in temporarily, and try that method.

What sort of "damage" did you do on the other two pistons? If they're badly scratched, you might need replacements. Minor scratches can sometimes be polished put with fine emery cloth.

 

Thanks I will try that. I got frustrated and used vice grips to pull two of them out. They have teeth marks on them now. Thanks again

 

Well, if the teeth marks aren't too bad, and not in the area where the ring seals goes, file them down the best you can. Some marks where the dust seal goes shouldn't cause any real issues.

 

You need to pop them out evenly, one or two will come out. push them back in and try again. It helps to hold the now "loose" ones in place until the others a freed. Once they are all "loose" pop them all at the same time. Use some cardboard in the middle where the pads would go to keep them from popping too soon.

Also, high temp brembo seals.
http://www.racingbrake.com/Boots-and...-p/bi-41bs.htm

 

Squirt some WD40 on the front side of the Piston down into the O rings grooves and let it sit...brake fluid also works...

Also try to twist the Pistons to lets the lub work its way into the O rings

Also open you bleed valves to release any vacuum that may exist

 

Finished my rebuild, did paint, then installed. But now when I have my first initial brake, there's a knock sound that comes from the brakes, seems like it comes from all 4 at different times when braking. As if the brake pads pop against the rotor? I know I have to do one more big bleed, just picked up a motive bleeder. Any ideas as to what is causing this? Thanks

 

Do you have you wheels mounted when this happens? Without Wheels the rotor can move around and make noise. You can also just install 2 lug nuts per wheel to hold the rotor as a test...

 

Yes I have the wheels mounted. When I go for a drive the first initial brake does this. After I get going, normal driving and braking I do not hear it.

 

Dumb Question: Did you install the "anti-rattle" springs/clips?