Brake calipers disassembled, cleaned, and sorted. Overall not a tough job, the air gun pressed out the pistons most of the way. Just a little wiggling with the vise grips to pull out two of them.
Drivers side caliper was seized, and the passenger side caliper was dripping.Rebuild kit should fix any issues.
I would have replaced all four pistons but they’re impossible to find! So I purchased the last two in stock from Rock Auto.
I think the leak on the passenger caliper may be coming from the missing washer, highlighted in the attached photo.
Anyone have ideas where to purchase one, or something similar? Seems like a small nylon washer so I’ll start at the hardware store.
86373A6B-9D05-4B75-AB41-9CBFDC41DA10.jpg 9092C8B0-D13C-4533-8E18-897AA2F591E3.jpg B47454FE-DE0B-4F43-8352-66B384173E83.jpg
Those are the caliper halves orings. They are square edged not round. Make sure to find the correct ones or they will fail. Don't use a round standard looking oring.
Can't find my old purchase receipt to see where I bought some. They are around, but there's also lots of "junk" on the net.
Last edited by autox320; 05-18-2022 at 04:09 PM.
88 M3
91 318is
91 318i
83 320is
08 X3 3.0si
"If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"
Eric sells those. He also sells expensive stainless pistons.
Call us toll free!
(855) STOP-101 (855-786-7101)
Specialty Parts for Porsche® Automobiles
EPDM Caliper 1/2 Seals
https://www.pmbperformance.com/catal...91/9694936.htm
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also
https://www.pmbperformance.com/diy-c...ts--acces.html
Thanks, that’s exactly the information I needed. I did find flat rubber washers at Home Depot, just slightly too small diameter.
The pistons are pricey, but not bad if they’re actually available. I assume I can use the PMB 48mm stainless steel A-caliper pistons. Doesn’t mention the height, which I believe is 31mm for the e21 caliper.
Last edited by Opal82; 05-18-2022 at 05:51 PM.
I got mine with the rebuild kits from Walloth Nesch since I needed to do the rear 323i calipers as well.
I didn't know the pistons were hard to find.
yes if you want to pay the premium for stainless they fit, the regular 48mm ATE, you can email eric to confirm.
here is an email response from him to me:
Eric Shea <pmbperformance@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Mike,
>
> You are correct, the A-Style would be what you
> need.
>
> I think we can get by with $4.95 shipping and the
> seals are free.
>
> Hope that helps.
>
> E.
> PMB Performance.com
> 1861 Gracey Lane
> Sandy, UT 84092
> 801-674-3669
> www.pmbperformance.com
> eric@pmbperformance.com
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I sent him a picture of my rusted piston(s)
That is where I got mine as well. I also used a hone that expands so the piston travels forward and backward without glaze or rust getting in the way. Light pressure is all you need with brake fluid as hone fluid.
51BoBsfNyPL._AC_SL1350_.jpgDSCI0580.JPG
Randy
Last edited by 320iAman; 05-19-2022 at 10:42 AM.
I ordered the PMB caliper seals, not sure I need to worry about the pistons for now. They popped out and cleaned up shiny with some brake cleaner and very fine steel wool. I coated them with a thin layer of brake fluid and I can push them in by hand.
Two pistons had chipped edges on the top collar which likely wouldn’t hurt them, but I ordered two replacements (could only find two).
I plan to install one new and one old piston in each caliper, anyone foresee a problem with that setup?
Maybe I’m being too cheap!
yeah good, the only thing that counts on the pistons is the part that contacts the ring seals.
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