New brakes for the car - maintenance advice purlease :)

MrSix · 27 Dec 2009 at 09:50

So my drivers front and passenger rear calipers decided they were too cold a few weeks ago and have now started binding slightly to keep themselves warm. Apparently it's a common fault with MR2's and so I've bought myself a new set of four calipers with braided hoses to replace mine.

The rear calipers I've bought are newly reconditioned units and the fronts are in good condition and they were described as all working great and as they should.
While I've got them off the car I intend to give them a clean up and paint them, but I was also wondering what I can do to prevent them from potentially seizing up in the future. Is there anything I can grease up or is it just a matter of checking them over to make sure they're all moving freely before they go on the car?

Cheers

ci_newman · 27 Dec 2009 at 09:59

Other than making sure that everything is nicely greased before being put together (e.g. the sliders) then new calipers should give you trouble free motoring for more years than you'll probably keep the car for

MrSix · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:00

They're not brand new calipers, but they are in good nick.

ci_newman · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:02

There as near as dammit you'll get new calipers for the MR2 these days

I replaced the ones on my MR2 and I just strapped them straight to the car without any issues. You might want to take the time to strip back the caliper mounting brackets and give them a paint though. IIRC they aren't included as part of a recon unit and can rust quite heavily on the MR2 (looks unsightly rather than structural rust).

MrSix · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:24

Thanks for that dude, I'll definitely make sure everything is as clean as it can be. Hopefully I'll get better fuel economy now too, 199 miles to a full tank when you're not booting it isn't fun!

Lopéz · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:29

Grease the sliders, that's about all you can do (assuming they are sliding calipers)

I have new recon ones on the Manta, they're a crap design though and I bet they are siezing up in a couple of years.

IAmATeaf · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:31

Remember to use silicone grease if you can as normal grease will just burn up with the high temps.

Not too sure but could you also use copper grease on the pin? Never have done myself, usually reserve copper slip for the back of the pads.

Dogbreath · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:50

Lopéz said:
Grease the sliders, that's about all you can do (assuming they are sliding calipers)

They are, and that's exactly where they stick. Just make sure the rubber sealing boots on the pins are intact, any tears will let water in and you'll be back to square one very quickly.

MrSix · 27 Dec 2009 at 12:25

Dogbreath said:
They are, and that's exactly where they stick. Just make sure the rubber sealing boots on the pins are intact, any tears will let water in and you'll be back to square one very quickly.

Thanks mate, can the rubber boots be replaced if they are torn?

I'll just grease everything up nicely and make sure they're all as clean as possible before fitting to the car - about the best I can do I guess?

Dogbreath · 27 Dec 2009 at 12:57

I believe the rubber boots are available through Toyota dealers.

MrSix · 27 Dec 2009 at 19:58

Last question, I've been asked by the guy im buying them off if I want the carriers as well...I'm not sure if he's gonna throw them in for free or charge me for them but i'm not sure I need them really?