Need brake leak advice. I put on a newly re-built caliper on right rear. GM Delco. New steel line. No leaks at fittings or pistons. New O ring design, SS.
I still have a leak like I did with the old caliper.
With the old caliper on, and driving, the fluid went all over, and possibly looked like pistons leaking.
I am not sure here. Bleeding went fine with new unit.
Is there anywhere else back there that would leak besides possibly having a pin hole in the new steel line? I would find it kind of odd to have changed this all out, and still have the same type leak.
Thanks.

Hey Boatman...C3's are really sensitive when it comes to rotor runout. My 77 L-82 blew a rear caliper on the way to Carlisle last year, and I just replaced the calipers.
You can only check the runout with a dial indicator. I believe the acceptable specs. are from .002 to .008.

Measure the runout, this is most likely the culprit. If the rotors were recently replaced, try to rotate the rotor to another bolt, or if not new, remove and resurface. ALWAYS check the runout when reinstalling the rotor. It worked for me. Hope this helps.

Gribble - Thanks for the info. I have not driven it yet since doing this caliper, as front suspension is apart right now.
What would rotor runout have to do with the leakage ? This is a 79 - L82, low miles.
Previous owner had all rotors, etc., done 1100 miles ago.
Before this, it would not leak all the time.
Previously, after driving, park in garage, and would start leaking a couple of days later. Thanks for reply.

If it is leaking and you have not driven it since the repair then runout is not the issue.

|UPDATED|1/8/2004 9:47:01 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

After reading your post again I see you say the piston and fittings are leak free. And you have not driven the car.

OK the fluid in the brake caliper has to flow between the two halfs of the caliper. There is a seal in there. If it was defective/missing or the two halfs of the caliper are not true it could leak where the two halfs come together. Since this is a new part all of this comes under the new defective issue. Most likely you will need to remove and locate the leak more exactly. Line or calipaer and where on the caliper.

Thanks for the help all. Conv74BB, this sounds like it could be it. The shop I purchased this caliper from has an excellent reputation, and they specialize in C-3's only.
It is sitting now, not leaking after many pumps of the pedal. I am waiting to see if this time I have fluid that dripped down from bleeding. Previously when driving, it only leaked a couple of days after parking.
Could it be that when moving, the calipers are hot, and heat expansion takes place, then leaks when cooled down?
Most of the drips were inside the bottom of the dust cover, then hitting the floor. Not having a true machined tolerance where they go together could be it.
I will see if I have a leak again. Will advise.

Just got outta the garage. No leaks, (I hope). The calipers where they are bolted together are fine. If it leaked there, fluid would drench the inside of the rotor.
Good suggestion though.
It looks like when I bled the caliper, ( I bled it with one of those pumps. Supposed to be a one person deal. I do not see how, you have to pump the handle, hold the insert in the bleeder, and tighten it. I only have 2 arms and hands).
Doing all that, I had a lot of fluid leak everywhere. Looks like it was dripping from my mess for a while.
Also, I will get a clear line to fit "over" the bleeder end next time. Thanks to all for suggestions. Next up is re-installing re-built steering valve and piston.

Who did the re-man for your calipars. One additional item I just found. On leaks. Not sure where you got your rebuild units but This Re-maunfacture sells to lots of folks. Autozone is just one of the retailers I know of. Could be the notification may never get to the end user. Here is the Recall notice number and a brief description. Not sure how to ID the parts but I would guess that the P/N is on there somewhere. It may have been an orginal GM-Delco but the questions is who did the re-Build.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 03E032000

REMANUFACTURERD REAR BRAKE CALIPERS, PART NOS. 18-7019, 18-7020, 16-7019, AND 16-7020, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002, TO APRIL, 25, 2003., AND FOR USE ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTES. THE SUBJECT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE MANUFACTURED USING IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PISTON SEALS. THESE SEALS ARE INTENDED TO PREVENT FLUID LEAKAGE BETWEEN THE CALIPER HOUSING AND THE PISTONS. THESE BRAKE CALIPERS ARE FOR USE ONLY ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES. THIS RECALL DOES NOT INVOLVE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS.

Remedy:

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ALL UNSOLD INVENTORY WILL BE REPURCHASED AND WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND TO CUSTOMERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARDONE AT 215-912-3000.

|UPDATED|1/14/2004 11:01:43 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

conv74BB - Thanks for the info. Car has been sitting for a while, doing suspension work, etc. I will check that. I have to make a 50 mile trip next week, lot of stop and goes. If it leaks again, then I am going to print your message and take it to the company that re-built it. It is a reputable company, and these guys have been in business a while, and drive C-3's.
Thanks again.

Conv74BB - Thanks for info again. I have a leak on the new GM Delco caliper. It is very very light, and leaking just a smidgen down the dust shield. I have put a light to the pistons and seal, 6 different ways and cannot see the pistons leaking anywhere.
Not leaking where the calipers are bolted together either. I am going to contact the seller of this caliper. They move a lot of calipers and are very reputable. They will probably want to see it.
I will let you know after I get to them, more going on right now.