swiftstu Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Hi All, I'm looking for a cheap set of front calipers to refurb. I've always wanted to have a go and wondered if anyone had a beaten up set they want to part with? Ultimately they'll replace a set, but this is more of a personal project. Not looking to pay too much for them. Anything considered - Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc92 Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Where are you located? I have an unrefurbed set but don't really have time to post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 4 hours ago, swiftstu said: Not looking to pay too much for them. A new front pair of calliper and carriage cost around £850 the second hand price for a full front/rear set is in the region of £120 you shouldn't need to pay too much. Before refurbing any yourself I'd check if SRS have any in stock as they knock them out at a very reasonable price (£I think I paid £120 for one front) and save you the sore fingers pulling rubber dust boots around. If they are out they may be available to refurb your current set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 1 hour ago, mc92 said: Where are you located? I have an unrefurbed set but don't really have time to post. I’m in cambridge ish- where about are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 6 minutes ago, rider said: A new front pair of calliper and carriage cost around £850 the second hand price for a full front/rear set is in the region of £120 you shouldn't need to pay too much. Before refurbing any yourself I'd check if SRS have any in stock as they knock them out at a very reasonable price (£I think I paid £120 for one front) and save you the sore fingers pulling rubber dust boots around. If they are out they may be available to refurb your current set. Thanks, I’m really looking to refurb them myself as a bit of a project- I’ll try SRS thought thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 9 minutes ago, swiftstu said: Thanks, I’m really looking to refurb them myself as a bit of a project- I’ll try SRS thought thank you! Sorry- just had a look. Who are SRS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc92 Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 2 hours ago, swiftstu said: I’m in cambridge ish- where about are you? That's convenient, I'm in Royston. I have fronts and rears if you want both, the fronts are functional and the rears are a bit sticky but obviously this doesn't matter so much if you're refurbing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 6 hours ago, swiftstu said: Sorry- just had a look. Who are SRS? Keystroke error - SRD If you end up tearing a dust boot or two you'll probably be wishing you didn't bother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 19, 2020 Author Share Posted December 19, 2020 7 minutes ago, rider said: Keystroke error - SRD If you end up tearing a dust boot or two you'll probably be wishing you didn't bother. Thanks. And I can quite believe that- I currently have the mechanical skills of a carrot, so have been really trying to upskill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 19, 2020 Author Share Posted December 19, 2020 15 hours ago, mc92 said: Where are you located? I have an unrefurbed set but don't really have time to post. I’ve pmd you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 8 hours ago, rider said: Keystroke error - SRD If you end up tearing a dust boot or two you'll probably be wishing you didn't bother. Surely if he was refurbing them him self he would be doing a full strip down with new boots anyway . It's a easy job refurbing the uk specs I done a write up how to . If any of your boots are damaged get ready to buy new pistons . I had to get a couple for mine when I done it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_supra Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 I've recently done a set of J-spec rears with all new sliders, pistons, and seals etc. Was a little fiddly, but certainly do-able for the amateur mechanic. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 20, 2020 Author Share Posted December 20, 2020 22 hours ago, jim_supra said: I've recently done a set of J-spec rears with all new sliders, pistons, and seals etc. Was a little fiddly, but certainly do-able for the amateur mechanic. Thanks- @mc92 sorted me out a set of J-spec ones which I’ve started refurbing. Big thanks to him!! with the dust boots, does the piston go in before or after the boot is on? The retaining clip is on the inside, and can’t work out which way would be best? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 This will help you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_supra Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 1 hour ago, swiftstu said: Thanks- @mc92 sorted me out a set of J-spec ones which I’ve started refurbing. Big thanks to him!! with the dust boots, does the piston go in before or after the boot is on? The retaining clip is on the inside, and can’t work out which way would be best? For me, I found it was easier to slide boot over the piston while it was out, then try to seat the boot in the caliper (without letting the piston pop off the boot), put the clip in, and then slide the piston home. You might find an easier way for you, but that was the easiest way for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 20, 2020 Author Share Posted December 20, 2020 33 minutes ago, jim_supra said: For me, I found it was easier to slide boot over the piston while it was out, then try to seat the boot in the caliper (without letting the piston pop off the boot), put the clip in, and then slide the piston home. You might find an easier way for you, but that was the easiest way for me Thanks, I’ll try that first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I found the ring that holds the boot the worst bit . I put the 2 ends together to make a big circle then slip over but you will see what works for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 Seems everyone has their own best way. Mine was to push the dust boot into the bore and then fit the split metal retaining ring. Pull out the boot and clamp the whole calliper in the vice. Then stretch the boot over the base of the piston. That was the hard part. Then slide the piston into the bore past the rubber sealing ring. I found it was easier with three hands with wifey getting the piston into the boot while I stretched it wide with four fingers. My approach may not be the best as I used 5 dust boots on three callipers having torn two with the stretching over the piston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellonman Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 I just checked how the jspec are done and they are completely different to the uk spec which is why my way is different Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc92 Posted December 20, 2020 Share Posted December 20, 2020 11 minutes ago, rider said: Seems everyone has their own best way. Mine was to push the dust boot into the bore and then fit the split metal retaining ring. Pull out the boot and clamp the whole calliper in the vice. Then stretch the boot over the base of the piston. That was the hard part. Then slide the piston into the bore past the rubber sealing ring. I found it was easier with three hands with wifey getting the piston into the boot while I stretched it wide with four fingers. My approach may not be the best as I used 5 dust boots on three callipers having torn two with the stretching over the piston. Yes that's the way I did it too. I found it tricky to get the boot to seat properly in the piston ring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted December 21, 2020 Author Share Posted December 21, 2020 Thanks guys- I think I probably stand the best chance now. I’ve got 4 spare dust boots in case. sandblasting and painting this week, so I’ll prob reassemble between Xmas and the New Year. really appreciate the advice cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC93 Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 I've got a pair of J Spec fronts sitting in the shed. Let me know if you want to buy if you don't get the ones from mc92 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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