C-10 front caliper rebuilding question

[vics stuff]

Hey Guys ! I have been messing with these trucks for over 4 decades. Always have information to pass on to others . This time I am needing some help.
As a purest , I am rebuilding my front brake calipers on my 72 C-10 truck. My question is , I am having issues pressing in the new Raybestos outer rubber dust seals with the metal ring. I keep bending them when pressed in , i am using a machined piece of pipe that is the same diameter as the metal ring. I have tried to press the seal in with and without the piston captured in the rubber seal. I am at witts end . Any help is always appreciated.
Vic

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

Hey Guys ! I have been messing with these trucks for over 4 decades. Always have information to pass on to others . This time I am needing some help.
As a purest , I am rebuilding my front brake calipers on my 72 C-10 truck. My question is , I am having issues pressing in the new Raybestos outer rubber dust seals with the metal ring. I keep bending them when pressed in , i am using a machined piece of pipe that is the same diameter as the metal ring. I have tried to press the seal in with and without the piston captured in the rubber seal. I am at witts end . Any help is always appreciated.
Vic

Assuming you have the correct dust seal, here's what I do.. File a slight taper on the OD of the metal ring.. Smear a thin coat of grease (emphasizing "thin") on the tapered area. Lubricate the O-ring with brake fluid and push the piston all the way to the bottom of the bore.. Using your tool and a press, shove the seal into place. Using a cotter key extractor tool, work the seal lip into the piston groove...

[vics stuff]

Thank you Rusty Pile for the tip. I will give that a try. Man these are a real pain to install.
Vic

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

Thank you Rusty Pile for the tip. I will give that a try. Man these are a real pain to install.
Vic

Back when disk brakes first showed up on GM vehicles, those dust seals were always popping out, especially if the pads were deeply worn. This allowed contaminants into the system, and the calipers would leak.. Rebuilt units, in the beginning, were just not available. One had too rebuild the existing ones.. If the contaminants had etched or scored the pistons, the complete caliper had to be replaced..

You're correct, rebuilding calipers are a pita....

[vics stuff]

I have ordered more replacement Raybestos kits and going to give this another try.
I may even try champferring the caliper edge a smidge to assist in installing these seals.
Thanks for the help.
Vic

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by vics stuff

I have ordered more replacement Raybestos kits and going to give this another try.
I may even try champferring the caliper edge a smidge to assist in installing these seals.
Thanks for the help.
Vic

Don't remove too much metal.. Those seals have to fit really tight or they'll pop right back out again..

[vics stuff]

Yes they do have a tight fit. I did look at mine and do see that they are already chamfered . May just clean up the surface with some emery paper.
Thanks Vic