QuestionQUESTION: Hi Von,
I just noticed that my right rear caliper is seized(rotor is rusting from no brake pad contact) Anyway, a friend suggested that service the rotor instead of buying a new one. He said that the seal probably needs to be replaced and the piston worked loose again. Does that sound like the proper course of action to you? Also, would you replace the rotor as well as the brake pads too? The rotor looks fine outside of a slight build up of rust. I assume that this will clean up to a nice surface after I get the problem fixed. Anyway, just wondering what decision a tech would make.
Thanks, Tim
ANSWER: Tim,
I would purchase a rebuild caliper since it is seized. Not that rebuilding yours is a problem. But, for the cost of a new caliper piston a rebuild is the best bet. Bleed the brakes with Ford High Performance Brake Fluid and it will make the brake pedal feel awesome. The fluid is a big issue and should be bled every two years.
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QUESTION: Hi Von,
Thanks for the info. I went out and purchased the semi loaded calliper today and plan on starting the job tomorrow. Although I expect the job to be simple I always expect the unexpected. I was hoping to get the Haynes manual for my car from the library but it's not in as of yet. Anyway, in general I'm expecting two to four bolts for the removal and install, installing the pads and bleeding the brakes. Is there anything that I'm missing? I don't think that I'll have to deal with the parking brake at all. Anyway, any pointer that you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Tim
ANSWER: Tim,
You are right on target with your observation. It is not difficult to remove and replace. You will need to bleed the brakes to the rear. Get a couple of pints of Ford High Performacne Brake Fluid from the local Ford Dealer and you will be surprised how good the brake pedal response feels.
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QUESTION: Hello again Von,
I just wanted you to know that the caliper job went well. I ended up doing both sides because the left caliper was in bad shape too(still working but the piston wouldn't go all the way in to accept the new pads) Anyway, I got a few pint of Ford heavy Duty Brake Fluid, I assume it's the same as what you suggested. Anyway, I bleed the entire system but the braking seems the same or just a bit better. Can you give me some more information on this fluid as far as the benefits. The price was about the same as the regular stuff but I don't know enough about any fluid to say that one is better than the other. It's not a big deal but something that I would like to know because I'm a information freak. Once again, thanks for all of your help and I hope to hear from you soon.
Tim
AnswerTim,
The Ford High Performance Brake Fluid has twice the boiling point of regular DOT 3 fluid so it provides a firmer pedal feel and will not boil as soon as regular fluid. It seems crazy that even the Ford Parts guys do not know what they have. Remember, that you cannot use synthetic fluid since it will screw up the brakes. And, the Ford stuff has twice the boiling point and it is just a more refined brake fluid.
