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 Caliper repair kit problems

 Created by: Isleblue65
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 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 01:18PM
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US
I have machined alumn. rings with recess one real deep to start and a shallow one 2nd, to finish flip it. Using a length of pvc machined in lathe to drive. I also chamfer the retainers with a fine file and deburr the bore. And yes I have about 100 old rings I have saved in case I can't find my tools. Steve (CTR)

 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 01:13PM
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I used an aluminum pipe that fit over the caliper piston with 1/32" clearance, and the piston sticking up 1/2" as a guide. The retainer rings were dead straight, and would not go in.  

Hindsight, I would put them on the bench grinder next time just around the lower edge to create a bevel to help it get started.  That might have worked, however I already threw them across the garage in a fit of rage when I decided to put the old ones back.

 

"I drive a Mini. What are you compensating for?"

 

 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 12:56PM
 Edited:  Sep 27, 2016 01:16PM
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I machined up a recessed nylon block to push the dust shield in dead straight. I leave the piston sticking out 1/4" as a guide for the seal.
[edit] These shields supplied are so soft now, I reckon they are Chinese cheese, not good British steel!

Kevin G

1360 power- Morris 1300 auto block, S crank & rods, Russell Engineering RE282 sprint cam, over 125HP at crank, 86.6HP at the wheels @7000+.

 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 08:52AM
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Don't think it's anything to do with new parts being wrong sized, those rings were always a hatefull thing to fit!! even back in the 60's you ended up using the old ones sometimes. If you don't get them on right the 1st time they usually distort enough that they never go on.......................

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 07:57AM
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GB

I've had the same issue on other sizes of kit. 

The 7½" ones were fine, but the 4-pot versions were not.  I ended up using a mixture of new and old.
I think some of it was luck with having a straight push to seat the retainer in one go - they won't tap in.

 Posted: Sep 27, 2016 06:50AM
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I recently purchased a genuine Lockheed caliper repair kit with the 4 rubber seals and 2 steel wiper seal retainers for 7.5" Cooper S calipers.  The retainers were clearly oversized and there was nothing I could do to push them down into the recess in either caliper half.

I ended up using the new seals and the old retainers after the new retainers distorted and the lip bent outward from multiple failed attempts at installation.

This appears to be another case of poor tolerances on a reproduced part - even though it was genuine Lockheed.  Has anyone else experienced this issue?  

Below is the Minimania part, but mine came directly from England and the only visual difference is that my steel retainers were gold colored, not silver and my kit did not have the bleed screw dust cap. 

//www.minimania.com/part/8G8830/Austin-Mini-Caliper-Piston-Seal-Kit-S-And-1275gt-75-Disc

 

"I drive a Mini. What are you compensating for?"