To All,
I just got done rebuilding the front calipers on my e30, which is a very simple process. There is one aspect that can be a bit frustrating...the installation of the outer dust seals.
If you install the seal on the piston first and slide the piston into the caliper bore, it is very difficult to get the outer flange of the seal into its groove in the caliper as can be seen in the following photo. Use of a screwdriver or probe may be able to seat the seal, but you run the risk of damaging the seal:
You can also try installing the dust seal on the caliper, then attempt to slide the piston down through it, this can be difficult as well:
Here's the best solution...slide the dust seal onto the piston from the top, but push it past its groove until the outer flange is BELOW the bottom edge of the piston, as shown. Notice I have also applied glycerine lubricant to the outside of the piston (official Lockheed Girling brand, left over from my British car days):
Insert the outer lip of the seal into its groove in the caliper (which will go in easily since it is below the piston), then push the piston down into its bore:
Job Done...
Admin...feel free to add this to the DIY page
Cheers,
Paul
I just got done rebuilding the front calipers on my e30, which is a very simple process. There is one aspect that can be a bit frustrating...the installation of the outer dust seals.
If you install the seal on the piston first and slide the piston into the caliper bore, it is very difficult to get the outer flange of the seal into its groove in the caliper as can be seen in the following photo. Use of a screwdriver or probe may be able to seat the seal, but you run the risk of damaging the seal:
You can also try installing the dust seal on the caliper, then attempt to slide the piston down through it, this can be difficult as well:
Here's the best solution...slide the dust seal onto the piston from the top, but push it past its groove until the outer flange is BELOW the bottom edge of the piston, as shown. Notice I have also applied glycerine lubricant to the outside of the piston (official Lockheed Girling brand, left over from my British car days):
Insert the outer lip of the seal into its groove in the caliper (which will go in easily since it is below the piston), then push the piston down into its bore:
Job Done...
Admin...feel free to add this to the DIY page
Cheers,
Paul