Author Topic: Caliper bodies and pistons - are they matched?  (Read 3822 times)

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Offline mangocrazy

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Caliper bodies and pistons - are they matched?
« on: January 25, 2013, 10:10:27 PM »
As the subject line indicates, I'm interested in understanding whether caliper bodies and pistons need to be treated as a matched pair or whether a degree of mixing and matching can go on. The reason I ask is that I retrieved all the calipers (plus other parts) from a Beta Coupe I owned in the early 90's before reluctantly sending it to the scrapper, and have stored them ever since. At some point I intend to dismantle and refurbish these parts and was wondering whether they need to be kept in matched pairs or not.

Alternatively the various steel and aluminium parts may have homogenised to the point where it's no longer worth bothering, of course...
1980 Lancia Beta Spider 2000 (S2FL)
2002 VW Transporter T4
2017 KTM Duke 690R
2008 Aprilia SL1000 Falco
1992 Ducati 888 SP3
1988 Honda VFR750F
1980 Yamaha RD350LC

Offline rossocorsa

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Re: Caliper bodies and pistons - are they matched?
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2013, 11:18:13 PM »
I think they were only made to one standard, perhaps good practice to keep pistons to their original calliper body but I can't see any reason why you can't mix and match if required, unless that is someone knows different? Of course it is possible that the pistons will be beyond redemption and you might need new ones anyway

Offline lukasdeopalenica

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Re: Caliper bodies and pistons - are they matched?
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2013, 06:46:13 PM »
I completed my own calipers from two second hand sets and work fine. A difference in not equal worn of components should by compensated by a seal. Of course if they are not too worn and free of scratches.
Lancia Beta HPE 2000i.e. '82 rosso corsa
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Offline mangocrazy

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Re: Caliper bodies and pistons - are they matched?
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2013, 08:34:03 PM »
I completed my own calipers from two second hand sets and work fine. A difference in not equal worn of components should by compensated by a seal. Of course if they are not too worn and free of scratches.
You now understand my bulk purchase of seals from you...   ;D  Yes, I'm hoping that the seals will take up any minor differences if I do need to mix and match. To be honest, with the state that some of the calipers are in, mixing and matching is almost inevitable.
1980 Lancia Beta Spider 2000 (S2FL)
2002 VW Transporter T4
2017 KTM Duke 690R
2008 Aprilia SL1000 Falco
1992 Ducati 888 SP3
1988 Honda VFR750F
1980 Yamaha RD350LC