How To Rebuild Brake Calipers

In this Project Tetanus video, I show how to rebuild the older style Jeep front brake calipers including a complete disassembly, rust removal, painting and reassembly of the caliper.

*This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.*

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[somuchbs]

General PSA-Not sure what type of grease was used for the slide pins but DO NOT use a petroleum based grease it will swell the rubber. Use a silicone grease like Syl-Glide. Awesome video

[seahorse]

Man excellent stuff. Proper use of lubricants and everything. This is how its done.

[badone]

Have rebuilt many calipers over the years. I suggest using varying thicknesses of wood, in front piston, then using compressed air. Then there’s no chance of getting hit by the piston. Somebody already mentioned using Syl Glyde for re-assembly.

[TAG-rqii]

Dude I really love and appreciate resto work. Great job man! I wish I had your shop, because I too am a tinkerer at heart.

[joshuabushared]

Great video. Lovin' the Comanche project so far.

[SeenAte]

Why didn't you paint them red? Everybody knows red calipers add at LEAST 15 horsepower

[alnbaba]

I've rebuilt calipers before on my truck, a little bit of time can save you $100+ on a new one. You don't need any fancy tools besides a compressor a c clamp and wrenches. Most brake shops will tell you that you need new rotors pads the whole works and a bill for a grand. The shops are out to separate you from your money.

[ejravago]

just regular rustoleum hammered paint? will that hold up with the heat?

[WeretheRoberts]

Thanks for the info, buddy.  As usual, very helpful.

[chugly]

Hello, this video was fun to watch. Just a question and related suggestion. First, were the dust-boot and piston gasket (o-ring) changed for new ones or were they the cleaned originals? Related suggestion: Mention which parts are new/rebuild kit and which were simply cleaned. (If this was mentioned and I missed it, I apologize.)

Thanks for the video!
-Cheers

[Durrpadil]

4:36 + be prepared for some mechanical gore. 18+ audiences only.

[chvydrptop]

Good idea to hone the inside of the caliper walls, its cheap and can be done with a bit and drill.

[ewingfox]

When I am reinstalling brake pistons I have a brass drift that I use to prevent marring the new piston. I think mine was just a piece of old brass rod stock that I chopped up and ground a flathead style tapered end on.

[AustrianAnarchy]

How can you tell if a caliper is an OE Jeep/Mopar caliper? I have a 1996 XJ and want to find some junk yard ones to rebuild and paint for my Jeep.

[kurtsimmons]

One thing I disagree with is using grease on the rubber pieces. You should use silicone spray or grease! It protects the rubber and debris doesn’t adhere to it.

[andreabq]

thanks for the video very informative. and a good knowledge to have

[becomematrix]

Great video. What song did you use in during derusting?

[YamarajaDasaAlcyone]

Did you also spray the inside of the caliper where the piston sits? I was going to avoid doing that by putting some grease in there and leave it bare metal while spraying but if it's okay to paint it then I'll just hit the whole caliper with paint.

[rdperformance]

Hi, one question after the electrolisis, before installing the seals did you clean the inside and ducts with what solvent? Soap? Etc, , , ,

[MoistLightning]

Nice video.

How did you prevent flash rusting after removing from water? Especially inside the caliper. Most instructions say to leave piston in and seal the interior off.