Ebrake question for rear disc conversion..?

[chevyrestoguy]

The use of the emergency brake is mandatory if you're using the Cadillac Seville calipers. The reason is, the air gap between the brake pads and the rotor is set by the usage of the e-brake. The piston assembly has a ratchet-type mechanism that resets itself everytime you set the e-brake. If you don't use an e-brake on the Caddy calipers, then as the pad and rotors wear, your air gap increases and causes a long pedal when you push the brakes.

That's why when you find a set of Seville rear calipers in a wrecking yard, the pads are usually perfect because most people with big luxury boats that don't have to park on a hill never set the e-brake.

I did a ton of research on this subject, bought all the parts, but sold the truck I was going to do the conversion on. The parts are just sitting on the shelf in the boxes collecting dust.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

The use of the emergency brake is mandatory if you're using the Cadillac Seville calipers. The reason is, the air gap between the brake pads and the rotor is set by the usage of the e-brake. The piston assembly has a ratchet-type mechanism that resets itself everytime you set the e-brake. If you don't use an e-brake on the Caddy calipers, then as the pad and rotors wear, your air gap increases and causes a long pedal when you push the brakes.

That's why when you find a set of Seville rear calipers in a wrecking yard, the pads are usually perfect because most people with big luxury boats that don't have to park on a hill never set the e-brake.

I did a ton of research on this subject, bought all the parts, but sold the truck I was going to do the conversion on. The parts are just sitting on the shelf in the boxes collecting dust.

Great info, thanks for sharing.

I believe the same goes for the LT1 calipers. Mine would hang up some times and the e-brake lever would go way beyond its normal travel range when engaged. Cycle it a few times and the lever travel would return to normal and the calipers would work like normal again.