Buying 2nd Hand Calipers

[AlexCim]

I am about to buy a set of 4 GTR brembo calipers (front and rear) and i just wanted to know a few things.

The guy says that they came off a car thats seen a couple of track days and they just overheated too much (probably crappy pads). Anyway he upgraded to something and is selling the lot. Supposed ~60,000km.

- Now, how i check their condition not being on the car?

- What does it cost to reseal them, or make them "new" again?

- Whats the worst it could be?

Thanks for the help

[Sydneykid]

I am about to buy a set of 4 GTR brembo calipers (front and rear) and i just wanted to know a few things.

The guy says that they came off a car thats seen a couple of track days and they just overheated too much (probably crappy pads). Anyway he upgraded to something and is selling the lot. Supposed ~60,000km.

- Now, how i check their condition not being on the car?

- What does it cost to reseal them, or make them "new" again?

- Whats the worst it could be?

Thanks for the help

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A genuine seal kit is $600

Genuine pads are $500

Genuine pistons, if they require replacement, are $40 each.

So if all 4 callpers are totally stuffed you are looking at ~$1500 to bring them to new standard.

cheers

[Beer Baron]

... which will then make you wonder why you didn't save up a few more pennies up front and buy a brand new AP kit, or CSC kit or whatever.

[AlexCim]

Is there a way that i can get them inspected by a shop? Can i get the seller to take them to a bakes place to inspect them?

Estimated costs?

I mean, the guy says they are in good working condition when he took them off, but i am not one to trust anyone selling 2nd hand parts really...

[Sydneykid]

Is there a way that i can get them inspected by a shop? Can i get the seller to take them to a bakes place to inspect them?

Estimated costs?

I mean, the guy says they are in good working condition when he took them off, but i am not one to trust anyone selling 2nd hand parts really...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To check the piston condition properly they will have to remove and replace all 12 pistons. While they are doing that they might as wll replace the seals. Chances are they will get damaged when they are checking the pistons anyway. More than half the cost of seals is the labour to R&R them.

Personally, I only buy brake parts when the cost of them plus a full service is less than buying new ones. That way if they don't need a full service, I end up in front. Conversely if they do need a full service I am not out of pocket.

cheers

[AlexCim]

What is the life on calipers?

I am, am i correct in doubting him so much or should i be more relaxed because calipers dont really need to be resealed?

He said they overheated a few times (std pads) so should i presume melted seals etc?

[Sydneykid]

What is the life on calipers?

I am, am i correct in doubting him so much or should i be more relaxed because calipers dont really need to be resealed?

He said they overheated a few times (std pads) so should i presume melted seals etc?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The pad temperature is quite a bit higher than the piston temperature. He may have simply overheated a low temperature pad compound, in which case the seals will be fine. On the other hand if he overheated a set of high temperature pads then the seals will quite likely be stuffed.

cheers

[cowie165]

I have just refitted my calipers to the car after a DIY overhaul. I am an office puke but managed to follow the workshop manual. There are lots of pretty pictures and threads on SAU that can help you through it. In my opinion, there doesn't seem to be any specialised skill required, just the right tools.

Thought it might convince you to buy the calipers - keeping costs down and all.

Cheers dude.

[predator]

Depends on how much you are paying.. If you are buying them for just "Brembo" and still paying a massive price that they go for, then you should probably price a few other options for a brand new race-brake setup - you might be surprised.

[AlexCim]

I got prices on 4 piston AP racing brakes, inc 5000 series discs, brackets, ferrodo pads 3150 just for the fronts OR 2650 with 4000 series discs

The prices for the brembos is $1000 for the full front/rear set including unknown brand pads that the owners says overheated...