MoT Failed - Recon. Calipers OK ?

davidharrow · Jan 31, 2006

My car has failed it's MoT on the front brakes. In July last year I had new front hoses, discs & pads, so I guess it's got to be the calipers ?

Classicar Automotive advertise Exchange Recon. calipers in PP and at VERY reasonable prices - Anyone any experience, good or bad, of them please ?

Any other helpful advice appreciated. Thanks.

David

bruceb · Jan 31, 2006

David

I have just fitted recon callipers to my car sourced from type 911 and a very reasonable price too. In the past I have reconditioned my own calipers with the recon seal kits available from the main agents at about £10-15 each side. The seals are made by the Italian caliper manufacturer ATE. I brought reconditioned units this time as I no longer have time to do the work myself.

It is very likely that any reconditioner will use these OEM seals when reconditioning the caliper, probably with new pistons as well.

As for reliabilty I think they will be as good as new units so my vote is to save a few £ and go with recon.

Before buying new calipers have your brakes checked over first to establish what is causing the problem. There maybe a sticking piston which can be freed up. Check to see if the car is pulling to one side under hard braking. Caliper seizing is also common with cars not used very often. The best solution is to use your brakes hard and get them really hot every now and again, also keep good newish fluid in the system

Bruce
83Sc

Guest · Jan 31, 2006

My car showed a hefty front brake imbalance at MOT time last year (but I got the ticket). Tuthills stripped, cleaned and greased the pads and sliders while it was with them the following week, which made absolutely zero diff - so it had to be the calipers.

I got the seal kit and planned to recon the calipers over the winter, but before it got put away, I drove the hell out of it for 10 laps at Bruntingthorpe and got the brakes hotter than ever. Hey presto, end of sticking caliper. 3 months in storage hasn't affected it either.

Bruce is right, try a good drive before you buy those calipers David, it worked for me.

sheep911uk · Feb 1, 2006

I have used Classic Automotive very pleased with results calipers come back with a nice zinc alloy finish .

Guest · Feb 1, 2006

New calipers are only about £20 or £30 quid more than recon IIRC. Still, nothing wrong with the recons, but for track time I was recommended the new ones.