Hi everyone. After failing inspection I am redoing my brake system. I have bought new rotors and pads. I still need to get calipers. What do y’all recommend. I am looking for the best calipers for stock rotors front and back.

thanks,
Tyler

 

Just curious, do you have any calipers currently sticking? If not I wouldn't replace the calipers. You're incurring quite a bit of extra work in bleeding the brakes if you do.

Now, if one is sticking I would replace the culprit and move on down the road. These are not a "wear out" item like many parts and fail more due to sitting than from over use.

I usually just grab a used one off one of my parts trucks, but if that option were not available I would just order what's cheap. These are very simple; just a piston in a bore that is displaced by hydraulic fluid. Not much to over-think. I've even popped the piston put and cleaned up the bore and the piston with some 300 grit followed by some 600 grit and then popped it back in with good success. You can also get a brake caliper hone to clean up the bore that way. Pop the piston out using compressed air (into the hole where the brake hose attaches). Just be sure to not have your fingers in the way, and glasses or goggles are a good idea to protect your eyes from the mist of brake fluid. Alternatively I just wrap my caliper in a towel when I am ready to pop it apart.

 

The piston is very rusted and the boot is torn.

I received a chunk of change from my grandparents because they were proud of what I had done when I did the head gaskets by myself. It was my first time really doing any work on a car. I changed the belt once, but I hadn’t even done an oil change.(:

I was thinking that since they are rusted and I don’t have a compressor I would just spend the money I received on the truck before it disappears into gas, food and fun money.

 

I was also wondering what brake fluid people like.

 

Any DOT 4 fluid is fine

 

With Calipers, just whatever rock-auto will send you cheap. I've never seen any worthwhile difference one from the next.

 

2nd rock auto

 

3rd Rockauto. Unless you want to learn how to rebuild a caliper just get a reman and save yourself the headache. Just curious what failed on your break inspection? How are your break lines?

 

Zski the rotors are what failed me. I have ordered new ss brake lines. The lines are 5-7 years old so I am replacing them. The caliper has a lot of rust on the piston and I read that when that happens seizing is close. I have bought the front 2 calipers. I will replace them and then rebuild the old ones. I am being rushed by time right now.

 

@TyTyBinks If you are doubt about calipers replace them, when it come to brakes you want confidence they are working right. You can always break down and rebuild the old ones as spares, it is a good learning experience and if you make a mistake no harm done as it is just bench work.