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Thread: E36M3 Rear Caliper Dust Seals

  1. #1
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    E36M3 Rear Caliper Dust Seals

    Does anybody sell dust seals that hold up to track conditions? I’m running Stoptech calipers up front, and the gray silicone dust seals last for years. The black rubber seals on the OEM rear calipers are usually toasted after a couple of track days.
    '95 M3 S54 Track Toy
    '19 X5 40i M-Sport
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  2. #2
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    Weird, mine last a few seasons. What pads you running?

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pat533i View Post
    Weird, mine last a few seasons. What pads you running?
    Mostly PFC08. I may have exaggerated a little bit, but they sure don’t last long. I’m also running a few (like 100) more HP than stock, so they get worked pretty hard.
    '95 M3 S54 Track Toy
    '19 X5 40i M-Sport
    '16 Cayman GT4
    ‘23 GR Corolla

  4. #4
    NeilM is offline Member BMW E36 M3 Expert
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    The rear brakes do less work, but they get much less cooling too. The calipers get hot and the dust seals fry. Short of going the BBK route the resulting caliper rebuilds become a cost of doing business.

    Which is why adding the StopTech rears is nice (although not exactly wallet-friendly). A side benefit is that the pads and friction rings become front/rear interchangeable, which is nice for managing those consumables.

    Neil
    96 M3 — 4-wheel StopTechs

  5. #5
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    I’ve been considering that. I expect the rear pads last forever with the ST setup, too.
    '95 M3 S54 Track Toy
    '19 X5 40i M-Sport
    '16 Cayman GT4
    ‘23 GR Corolla

  6. #6
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    For a track only car, dust seals aren't essential.

  7. #7
    NeilM is offline Member BMW E36 M3 Expert
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    Quote Originally Posted by jayjaya29 View Post
    For a track only car, dust seals aren't essential.
    True, although with stock ferrous calipers and pistons that'll call for ramping up the inspections.

    Neil

  8. #8
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    There is a big difference in longevity between the replacement boots from autozone or wherever and the BMW or ATE parts. I bought the cheapo ones once and they dried and cracked after a weekend or two as compared to a season or two for the BMW or ATE versions.

  9. #9
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    Mine were whatever came on the Nugeon rebuilds. I’ll try the Ate bits and see what happens. Still thinking about going the ST route...
    '95 M3 S54 Track Toy
    '19 X5 40i M-Sport
    '16 Cayman GT4
    ‘23 GR Corolla

  10. #10
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    I run 08’s too. Rebuilt with genuine, no problems. 265whp and Hoosiers

  11. #11
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    I can't find anything that lasts more than a couple seasons. $2.50 Centrics seem to give up the ghost at about the same rate as the overpriced OEM. Fortunately it's not hard to pop on a new set.
    If God meant for man to motor-swap LS engines into track cars, He wouldn't have created Corvettes.

  12. #12
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    Are you using OEM ATE dust seals?

    I haven't had a problem yet, I'll inspect mine and see how they look.

  13. #13
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    Just received a supply of Ate rear seal kits, along with seals for my front Stoptechs, so that should keep me busy this evening...
    '95 M3 S54 Track Toy
    '19 X5 40i M-Sport
    '16 Cayman GT4
    ‘23 GR Corolla

  14. #14
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    When I had stock calipers any dust seals I used (including ATE) would fry quickly. I just got in the habit of rebuilding calipers a couple times a year - knowing that they take a lot of heat and also that dust seals with holes allow moisture in that causes rust.

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