Airheart calipher rebuild ?

[dreracecar]

REALLY!!!

$600 for ONE four piston caliper

There new stuff is no where near simular to the old ones, Yes they might have some leftover kits and they are around $80 for one caliper. And when I called them about new pucks they wanted $20 ea ($160 for a complete set)

I clicked on their link and they no longer carry complete rear brake kits for racecars

[rob-redm]

The $$$ of being cool ! I would try the calipers first and see whats up, since they have been sittting with no brake fluid, I could see the seals going away from sitting.
I had stainless sleeves done on my wheel cylinders and master cylinder on my 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Safari, it was well worth it.

[Mr T body]

Rebuilding them is NO big deal. The kits are tad expensive, but the only thing I suggest you definitely do is buy the pilot as it makes installing the piston shaft in the seal and drag ring a TON easier. The rubber sleeve really can't be called a "retraction mechanism". The drag ring keeps the shaft from retracting.
The cylinders don't have sleeves originally, so if they are new the cylinder pitting that is often an issue shouldn't be a problem.
All that said, I would mount them and try them first.

[BOBBYA312]

I would think you could bench test them with a thin block of wood between the pistons(to keep them from fully extending/coming out of the bore). A Pick up a few fittings from the local parts store to connect to a small air compressor. Make sure the bleeders are closed and then put the air to them. If they extend and you hear no leaks-all should be well.

[Ohiovette]

Thanks for all the info.
Here is what I have found out:
Airheart was bought by Tolomatic and they do not rebuild and have very few parts for the calipers.
TheBrake Man in So.California was started by a engineer from Airheart and they are very helpful. They have the pads (pucks) and are willing to search for o-rings as they have lots since they rebuild most other calipers. I just need to give them dimensions.
Actually Speedway Motors sells a complete rebuild kit for $50.00 which includes the rubber parts and the drag ring.
I took them apart and they do not have a retraction mechanism which is a number of spring washer(Belville washer).
When I took them apart I found them to be in perfect condition.
I just made the assembly pilot tool and when I get the parts I will put them together.
Thanks again for the great advice.

[CutawayAl]

Originally Posted by Ohiovette

I took them apart and they do not have a retraction mechanism which is a number of spring washer(Belville washer).

Did they never have the piston retraction device, or is it missing?

[porknbeaner]

Originally Posted by dreracecar

REALLY!!!

$600 for ONE four piston caliper

There new stuff is no where near simular to the old ones, Yes they might have some leftover kits and they are around $80 for one caliper. And when I called them about new pucks they wanted $20 ea ($160 for a complete set)

I clicked on their link and they no longer carry complete rear brake kits for racecars

When I called they said I could have a pair for a grand, shipped. But I am not in the habit of paying retail. No one will cut you a deal if you don't ask and a grand for a pair beats the last asking price that I saw of 1,800.00 for a pair of used ones that may or may not have needed rebuilt.

Of course you could buy rebuld parts from a man who sells used head gaskets I suppose.