Well I think it depends if you want to replace them or rebuild them..if you have lip style they are probably leaking..that's just what they do..if you have the ability to do so is take one apart and see what you have..I think the toughest thing is what type of brake fluid is in there? Many brake fluids are not very happy if you mix them..maybe the PO would let you know what's in there..if they don't know it may be one of those drain and flush out the system and replace the brake fluid..do you have a leaker now? Why do you think you need them..just curious..I rebuilt all mine when I first got mine..not hard and not expensive..

Rich

Welcome to C3VR!!
There is no real difference between the two, except the pistons and seals. The calipers themselves are the same, and will interchange with no problems. If the car is stock, it will have the lip seal type pistons. However, they could have been changed at some point in the past. The only way to know for sure is to disassemble them. If you are replacing the calipers anyway, I would suggest going with the o-ring type. They don't have the same issues with leakage as the lip-seal kind, and they are far less likely to introduce air into the brake system.

If your calipers are leaking, then they are most likely the lip-seal type pistons.

I agree on the 0-ring choice...just ordered o-ring calipers from MAM yesterday....lifetime warranty....and in stock. Seems some dealers are having problems getting stock now with the eathquake in Japan.

Pedal is down to the floor, No leakers so far. I figured I would pull the existing calipers and check them out but before pulling them I thought I would order the parts. The po had the car for close to 20 years and did not know much about doing things himself. Thanks for your response.

Sounds like you may need a full rebuild..if you go and replace the calipers get ones with the stainless inserts..may want to do new rubber lines..watch the master cylinder also..do you have power brakes..I have seen them do some weird stuff also..

Rich yostusota2011-04-22 15:48:21

The car has manual breaks. Seems like a new MC was installed not to long ago. still has the newish look and housing is not oxidized. I was also thinking of new lines etc. Migh as well go the whole 9 yards and not have to deal with it later on. I'm going to pull the calipers tonight and will post what I find.

If you are buying new stainless calipers get the whole kit that includes the rubber hoses and brake lines for the rear. I bought a kit last year and it came with everything including new pads. You can get them with lifetime warranty's as well. Do some research and check with different venders for the best pricing. I highly recommend the stainless inserts while doing it! I also switched to the silicone brake fluid at the same time plus did the master cylinder. There are many different thoughts on the brake fluid but I am happy with it on mine. It was nice to get a full brake pedal!
Rodney