What to do before using a brake caliper that's been sitting for a few years?

[d00df00d]

I'm planning to install a set of brake calipers that was pulled from a new car due to a cosmetic defect and sitting for at least 5 years. Seals appear to be good.

Right now, my plan is

1. Just throw them on at first (the initial bleed after install should flush out at least some residue/gunk)
2. Do another partial flush in a few weeks after some driving (was going to do that anyway in preparation for track events)

Does that make sense, or is there anything else I can/should do? If the latter, what would you suggest and why?

 

[JavierH19]

Depends on how they were stored. If they were stored in a box or better yet in a sealed bag with some residual fluid in the pistons then I'd be fine using it. I never leave hydraulic cylinders, valve bodies, pumps, ect open and with the fittings uncapped and without a bit of oil inside so they don't rust.

 

[BHopkins]

I'm assuming you have visually inspected them, and found them free of corrosion, or damage to the seals? If yes, then I would put them on.

 

[Cruisin'n5thgear]

Fully extend and retract the piston if possible, grease piston when fully extended in an effort to get some lube onto the seal.

 

[Lubener]

If they were new and stored carefully in a good environment, just put them on and bleed the system.

 

[d00df00d]

Fully extend and retract the piston if possible, grease piston when fully extended in an effort to get some lube onto the seal.

Grease? Or brake fluid?

 

[tnt_motorsports]

Bleed the caliper on the vehicle. I would run a significant amount of brake fluid through it to ensure it is flushed.

Just my $0.02

 

[Cruisin'n5thgear]

Grease? Or brake fluid?

Either would work, I suppose. Disassembly would be ideal, but newer calipers with composite pistons don't pop out very well in my experience.

 

[D60]

Carlson H9440 but the dust boot is unlikely to allow it to reach the seal. Monkey with the dust boot at your own peril.

 

[Cruisin'n5thgear]

Carlson H9440 but the dust boot is unlikely to allow it to reach the seal. Monkey with the dust boot at your own peril.

Agreed. Not much you can do without effecting a rebuild - dust boot and caliper removal. At that point you might as well throw in a new seal.

 

[D60]

I can imagine a procedure...but it feels like a waste of time. Put "some" 9440 in the caliper, shake around. Lay caliper horizontal such that pistons are up and static side is on the bench (assuming 1 or 2-piston calipers).

Insert a block of wood and blow the pistons out with air, theoretically getting some lube into the piston seals. Push them back and repeat.

Remove bleeder and blow through banjo bolt hole and vise versa to try to get the 9440 out. Maybe flush w brake fluid. (I've done this to get chips out when I had to chase 3/8-24)

Again, a lot of work for probably no benefit.

I'd just install the calipers and run 'em