MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 09:00

Title: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 09:00
So after getting an advisory on my MOT and knowing the handbrake was rubbish anyway, I'm looking at replacing the rear callipers.

I managed to pick up a pair of old calipers and going to get the Big Red refurb kit.

I have a local guy that will shot blast them for me then I'll paint them up.

Question is do I need to totally dismantle them before blasting or leave it till afterwards? My concern is that the cylinder might get damaged during the process if I remove the piston?

Anyone done it before? Any recommendations on what to remove?

Caliper as it stands :

(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc9/trx_photo/Charlotte/IMG_20140228_083149_zpsybtyxvsv.jpg) (http://s214.photobucket.com/user/trx_photo/media/Charlotte/IMG_20140228_083149_zpsybtyxvsv.jpg.html)

Also been looking at changing the brake hoses while I'm on. Are the uprated ones worth it? Is it worth doing the rears? Been looking at the Hel ones. Any good?

 m http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake- ... -2000.html (http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake-lines-for-toyota-mr2-1.8-zzw30-2000.html) m

Also while I'm there, is it worth changing to 5.1 fluid? I'm only planning on changing the rears at the moment. Would it be better to change the fluid later on after I've done the fronts too?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on February 28, 2014, 09:02
out of interest how much is the kit? and the blasting?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on February 28, 2014, 09:41
I got a pair of refurb calipers off eBay for £60 each (after surcharge refund) and I was impressed, nicely blasted, painted, etc.

I am fitting hoses too, you might as well when your in there doing it all anyway. The rubbers are probably quite perished by now and it's not a job you'd probably rush to do again just to replace the hoses in the future. HEL are quite highly rated, I would go for them
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 10:05
Quote from: "tomaky"out of interest how much is the kit? and the blasting?

The Bigg Red kit is £30 each for a refurb diy. I don't know the price for them to do it.

I can get them shot blasted for £10 then it's just a paint with some hammerite.

Think I'm going down the Hel route while I'm there.

Just deciding whether to change fluid now or later!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on February 28, 2014, 10:08
ive gone HEL and 5.1 dot, just get it done while your there  s:) :) s:) , ill be changing a caliper near future, ill buy buying a refurbished unit, mines sticking deciding wether to do it now or after my next pay as im travelling to sheffield 3 hour drive next friday and back ha
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 20:17
Ok, I'm going down the Hel route with 5.1 fluid.

Just need to know what to do about shot blasting the old calipers.

Should I remove the piston before or after blasting?

Should I remove everything else too?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on February 28, 2014, 20:39
Id just splash out if it had been me, might be worth replacing the springs though.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: shnazzle on February 28, 2014, 20:47
Quote from: "tricky1138"Ok, I'm going down the Hel route with 5.1 fluid.

Just need to know what to do about shot blasting the old calipers.

Should I remove the piston before or after blasting?

Should I remove everything else too?

I'd definitely remove the pistons. Don't want to damage the sleeves and get grit in between.

Are these the ones I gave you?  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 21:02
Quote from: "shnazzle"I'd definitely remove the pistons. Don't want to damage the sleeves and get grit in between.

Are these the ones I gave you?  s:) :) s:)

Yeah they are Patrick.   s:) :) s:)  Wasn't going to name names in case you didn't want to!

And was just worried about the shot blasting damaging the part the piston sits in if it was removed!

Now looking again at the Bigg Red kit and it doesn't include a new piston!

Is a new one necessary or just best practice?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: shnazzle on February 28, 2014, 21:11
Haha no worries. I'm sure favours will be returned in the future  s:) :) s:)  Car Karma haha.
 I wouldn't replace it unless the sleeve was damaged or there was any evidence of wear. Don't know how much a new one is mind. For a few quid it's worth it  s:) :) s:)
I see what you mean though...hmm...there's a video of them shot blasting a caliper on the bigg red website. Did they remove the piston?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on February 28, 2014, 21:52
Couldn't find a video but did find the step by step guide and that removes the piston before blasting.

Have emailed them for price of pistons as they're not on the website - the mk 2 ones are £15 though.

Also asked for fully refurbished price and will add it all up and see how close it is as to which way I go.

Just a waiting game now.   s:( :( s:(
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on April 1, 2014, 11:27
Digging up my old thread as it's took me this long to decide!

Well actually decided and changed mind three times!

Now getting some newly refurbished calipers, and have ordered some new hel braided hoses.

Now onto brake fluid! I know I need 5.1 but any recommendations for make and where from?

Also how much will I need?

I'm also presuming when I change my calipers and hoses that I just let all the old fluid run out then put the new stuff in and start bleeding them?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on April 1, 2014, 11:59
Don't let the reservoir run dry which will draw air into the system and make bleeding much harder.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: AndyM on April 1, 2014, 12:10
I may be wrong on this (I'm going to be hassling some people on this myself soon when I fit my braided lines) but one method I've read is to pipet/syphon off the bulk of fluid from the reservoir. Then refill it up with the nice new fluid and force it through the system (and each line/caliper) by bleeding it, making sure you top up the reservoir as you go. That way you avoid introducing air into the system but it takes less time to get it all flushed through.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on April 1, 2014, 13:39
Good idea. I just pumped the pedal to flush it out of the drivers side front to achieve the same effect  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Jandaw on April 1, 2014, 14:30
Chatting to the lads in my local tyre depot while they changed my oil they offered to pressure change the brake fluid when I've got my new callipers etc. That way it's just a matter of cracking the bleed valve till new fluid runs through then closing.

Recommended Hel hoses and 5.1 fluid just need to decide which discs and pads now. Object of the exercise?  2 years freedom of worry at MOT time more than anything.

Fancy grooved and dimpled but not drilled discs. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on April 1, 2014, 14:35
Ebc are good
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on April 1, 2014, 16:15
Daft question but will any 5.1 fluid be ok?

Been to a couple of local shops and all they have is Carplan, carcare or the like, no major names.

Any good?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on April 1, 2014, 16:23
Ive got Motul 5.1dot off camskill.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on April 1, 2014, 16:38
Quote from: "tomaky"Ive got Motul 5.1dot off camskill.

And is 500 ml enough?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on April 3, 2014, 08:52
I was advised to get 2 of the 500ml bottles i had spare in 1 but i have had to rebleed due to claiper changes since so its good to have the 2nd bottle.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on April 3, 2014, 09:20
Have ordered a 1 litre bottle of Toyota 5.1

Same thoughts as you - will be changing front calipers / hoses later so will need more fluid for that!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tomaky on April 3, 2014, 10:32
That will do the trick  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 9, 2014, 15:05
Reviving an oldish thread as I've finally got a weekend free to swap my calipers!   s:D :D s:D  

Just a quick question - should I attach the new Hel hoses to the calipers and just take the whole caliper and hose off in one go or is it recommended to connect hose to car first then the caliper?

Any other tips from the professionals?   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: AndyM on May 9, 2014, 15:31
Attach the line to the car first. You have to orientate it to fit the slide clip in which holds it in place (and it only goes in when in two positions 180deg apart) but then orientate the hose itself to avoid rubbing on the body/wheel.

Plus it helps to be able to spin the line to get it seated nicely in the flared nut.

I sound like an expert but actually I pretty much just watched Spit do mine 2 weeks ago.  s;) ;) s;)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on May 9, 2014, 16:55
caliper off car, hose off car, hose onto car, caliper onto car, hose onto caliper.......

repeat  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Joesson on May 9, 2014, 18:15
What I assume to be OE hoses have a small clip at about mid point of the hose length that attaches to the shock absorber.
Has any body reused or replaced these on new hoses or are the new hoses left to hang free?
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Jandaw on May 9, 2014, 22:19
Personally I would clamp the OE flexi before switching the callipers.
Before fitting the new calliper make sure the coupling to the rigid pipe can be freed off and the mid point support is undone.
New calliper on then loose fit new flexi, then switch top connection to rigid.
The top fixing bracket has an oval hole with a matching fixing on the OE flexi. My HEL flexies did not fit perfectly but are ok.
I intended taking it up with HEL but haven't got round to it yet. They were spec'd as MR2 Mk3.

One reason for not allowing the fluid reservoir to completely empty is that, apparently the seals can flip and that means a new master cylinder. (so I've been told)
All good fun, wish I lived a bit closer.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 9, 2014, 23:59
Tricky1138 just to avoid you worrying...
 
Master cylinder seals flipping on modern ABS cars is rare. I've changed all four of my calipers since buying my Roadster in 2003 - without problems. Seal flipping - although rare - is caused by *REVERSING the hydraulic pressure flow in the system.( nothing to do with keeping the the fluid reservoir topped).

When a piston is forced *back into a caliper, to install new pads, without undoing the bleed nipple to release the hydraulic pressure there's a minute chance that the reverse hydraulic pressure generated could flip a seal.

However, given that most people don't bother to open the bleed nipple when fitting new pads it's obviously a rare occurrance!! Nevertheless it IS good practice to release pressure using the nipple when fitting new pads. As you're fitting new calipers you've no chance of generating reverse pressure...as you'll be busy topping up the reservoir and bleeding the new calipers  s:) :) s:)  Good luck!

Dave
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 10, 2014, 12:24
A couple more points tricky...

Don't play around with the handbrake mechanism before fitting!

Do clean out the slider holes and clean the pins on the pad carrier unit. I use a SMALL amount of red rubber grease to prevent the protective boots from swelling. Smear a little inside the top of the slider hole PRIOR to replacing the boot . Then add just a thin coat on the sliders themselves. (coating the sliders instead of the holes will simply result in the lubricant being removed from the pin as it passes through the rubber bellows!)

Also, despite, initially, being told I needed new crush washers to attach banjo bolt to caliper body... the local auto parts store said no need...and none of the calipers I've done have had any fluid leaks at banjo/caliper body joint...



Hope this is of help!

Dave
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: AndyM on May 10, 2014, 12:42
Quote from: "B42"Also, despite, initially, being told I needed new crush washers to attach banjo bolt to caliper body... the local auto parts store said no need...and none of the calipers I've done have had any fluid leaks at banjo/caliper body joint...

You may well be able to get away with it but having just paid about £2 for enough to do the lot it's not a massive expense for extra peace of mind in my opinion.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 10, 2014, 15:14
Quite right AndyM.
However, my point was that if thrifty HASN'T got the washers (given that my local auto parts guys don't bother stocking them as apparently mechanics won't spend £2 on a set) then he shouldn't fret...as  the worst that can happen - if the banjo bolt is tightened to correct torque - is a very slight weep of fluid...
Banjo bolt torque setting is: 22ft.lbs
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: AndyM on May 10, 2014, 16:08
True, I think the HEL lines come with new crush washers anyway.  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 10, 2014, 16:56
That's good to know. Here's hoping Thrifty's  w/e brake project is trouble free!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 10, 2014, 19:29
Quote from: "B42"That's good to know. Here's hoping Thrifty's  w/e brake project is trouble free!

Anything but trouble free!   s:evil: :evil: s:evil:  

Brake hoses won't come free from fixings and have started to round the nut! That was my fault as I couldn't find my 10mm brake spanner and all my mates brake spanners are imperial so was just using an ordinary spanner!

So decided just to leave hoses and just do calipers! Loosened banjo bolt ok. Caliper slider bolt ok! Carrier bolts were a bit of a pain but the hammer fixed that!  s:scared: :scared: s:scared:  

Then there was the handbrake pins! No amount of persuasion would move them! Soaking in plus gas made no difference! Hitting with hammer didn't move them either!  So in the end have had to angle grind them flush and prise the cable off!

7 hours later they're off and new ones on. Even the brake pads fought back putting them on! Worst design ever in my opinion!

So just to bleed tomorrow and reattach handbrake - will a nut and bolt suffice as obviously the pin is no more!

How hard can it be!?  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:    s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 10, 2014, 19:55
That's a shame. Sounds like you've had a real b****** of a day. I think using a nut and bolt will work as a TEMP fix instead of a pin and clip. I'd put a couple of washers on either end...and maybe use a locking nut. But I'd replace pins and clips asap...just to be on the safe side!!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 10, 2014, 20:54
Quote from: "B42"That's a shame. Sounds like you've had a real b****** of a day. I think using a nut and bolt will work as a TEMP fix instead of a pin and clip. I'd put a couple of washers on either end...and maybe use a locking nut. But I'd replace pins and clips asap...just to be on the safe side!!

Oh yeah, it was one of them days!   s:( :( s:(  

And yeah, plan was 2 washers and a lock nut, and a temporary fix.   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 10, 2014, 23:39
Oh and just a quick question before I start again in the morning!

Does anyone have the torque settings to hand?

Backing plate to carrier.
Slider bolt.
Banjo bolt. Edit - 22 lb ft.

Thanks.

Oh and order of bleeding?   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: AndyM on May 10, 2014, 23:50
Think these are right...

FRONT
Backing plate to carrier: 109Nm
Slider installation bolt: 34Nm
Banjo bolt: 30Nm

REAR
Backing plate to carrier: 59Nm
Slider bolt: 20Nm
Banjo bolt: 30Nm
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 11, 2014, 09:25
Well done for sticking with it, Thrifty, hopefully this will be your final job before getting out on a run (cut and pasted courtesy of a posting by Roger!)

1. CHECK PARKING BRAKE LEVER TRAVEL
Pull the parking brake lever all the way up, and count the number
of clicks.
Parking brake lever travel at 196 N (20 kgf, 44.1 lbf):
5 – 8 clicks
If incorrect, adjust the parking brake.
2. IF NECESSARY, ADJUST PARKING BRAKE
(a) Remove the console box.
(b) Loosen the lock nut and loosen the adjusting nut until the
left and right parking brake cranks touch the stopper pin.
(c) Start the engine and depress the brake pedal with the
thread force at about 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf) for 10 times.
(d) Tighten the adjusting nut until the cable has no looseness.
(e) Pull the parking brake lever up strongly once.
(f) Release the parking brake lever.
(g) Turn the adjusting nut until the lever travel is correct.
(h) Tighten the lock nut.
Torque: 5.4 N·m (55 kgf·cm, 48 in.·lbf)
(i) Release the parking brake lever and check the brake drag
of the rear brake by turning the rear wheel.
(j) Check that the left and right brake cranks touch the stopper
pin under the condition in which the parking brake lever
is released.
(k) Check that the brake indicator light comes on when operating
the parking brake lever.
(l) Install the console box.

Here's wishing you trouble -free motoring for 2014!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 11, 2014, 13:33
Well the nightmare continues!   s:( :( s:(  

First off bleeding the nsr, loads of air coming out (which I expected!) and peddle not feeling good (which I also expected!) we stopped to top up the reservoir to find a large puddle at the osr!

Banjo nut was done up to spec, but looks like it wasn't sitting in the notch correctly!

So took off, cleaned up and managed to get it to seal!   s:D :D s:D  

Moved round all bleeding ok, with new fluid coming out ok. Then got to nsf and bleed nipple won't move! No amount of pressure will move it - although I didn't push too hard as didn't want to break it and be completely stuck!

So re bled it again without doing that one and peddle seams ok. Now onto handbrake!

Started car and stamped on peddle several times. Got both cables reattached and then adjusted handbrake.

Must admit it is alot better now but noticed that they seam to be binding a bit even with the handbrake off! Hoping that's normal till I get out for a drive to check!

Also have noticed that the bar that connects the two rear cables to the handbrake are not sitting level - any ideas why?

Stopped for lunch now, so back to it shortly!   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 11, 2014, 17:03
Well everything is back together now, brakes bled as best I can without getting nsf moved still!   s:( :( s:(  

Handbrake still uneven but thinking that's to do with the bolts holding the cable rather than any problem. Will replace them asap. Anyone know the part number for the pins? Or will any do that fit?

Drove home from my mates and all i can say is they're s**t!

Wasn't expecting fantastic but was hoping a bit better than that. Handbrake seams a little better though! Lol.

Still, with poorly bled brakes and makeshift connections, what else did I expect!

Going to speak to my mate that works in a garage to get it in and bled properly!

Here's hoping for more success this week!  s:scared: :scared: s:scared:
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: spit on May 11, 2014, 18:54
Cable pin is 90240-08040. The R-clip is 90468-14019
They're common across a range of Toyota models so should be easy to get hold of stock.

That said,nut'n'bolt should work providing there's room for swivel. If the cable is attached and you have h'brake problems its unlikely to be affected by whether you've used a pin or a bolt! If you use non-standard parts though, leave it in gear when you park up, just in case it lets go   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Congrats on getting this far with it. Hang in there.
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on May 11, 2014, 20:08
I had to drill mine out.

CTP supplied replacements, about £5 all in
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 11, 2014, 22:09
It can take a long time to get all that  air out Thrifty!!

Unless you've got a firm brake pedal - without pumping - there's still air in the system. One thing I'd recommend is not to undo the bleed nipple too far. You want it so that fluid can just flow. If you undo the nipple too far air can get sucked back into the caliper via the thread - bypassing the nice seal you've created between your bleed nipple - plastic pipe and fluid within the jar...and ensure downward pressure on the pedal isn't  stopped before you get the nipple tight...

Here's some late bed-time reading for you. Must say I've never heard of anyone starting their engine to help bleed brakes...but you may find some of the info of help.

 l viewtopic.php?f=11&t=46259&hilit=brake+bleeding (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=46259&hilit=brake+bleeding) l

Cheers Dave
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 11, 2014, 22:40
Thanks for all your help guys.

Taking it to mate in garage tomorrow to get bleed nipple unstuck from nsf. He can break it and fix it if he does!

Then I'll be able to bleed it properly!   s:) :) s:)  

Thanks Spit for the part numbers I'll get a price from CTP now! I think the osr isn't swivelling which is the problem!
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: Anonymous on May 11, 2014, 22:56
I started the engine on my car which helped  I couldn't get all the air out otherwise...pedal was still a bit spongy
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: tricky1138 on May 12, 2014, 20:34
I've got working brakes!   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

Garage said the pads were put in wrong and the caliper wasn't adjusted properly to take up the slack!

Plus there was still air in the osr!

So new set of pads installed and fully bled, including nsf which was fine when they slackened it! (I must have loosened it!   s:wink: :wink: s:wink: )

And all working now! Handbrake still comes on at 6 clicks which it still high in my opinion but it's working much better and not sticking at all!   s:D :D s:D  

All hail the garage!   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:  

Was trying to tell them all the things you guys had said but they knew everything I was trying to tell them so all credit to them. Very happy.   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Caliper refurbishment, brake hoses and fluid!
Post by: B42 on May 12, 2014, 21:15
Well that's been a steep learning curve for you Thrifty! Anyway, sun expected at the weekend so top down and go enjoy it...you've earned it!   s:D :D s:D