my e-brake is not working on the iroc. I slid under the car while a friend pulled the lever and everything is functioning normally so obviously something inside the caliper is NOT. after doing some reading on here im finding this is a common prob. What im wondering is if i can just get the rebuild kit from one of the parts stores or if i need the kit from gmpartsdirect.com. Im thinking the parts store kits will only take care of a leaking caliper???? which i dont have. Im assuming i have a prob w/ the actuator screw or piston??? any help would be greatly appreiciated. Mark

 

Don't bother rebuilding your existing calipers.

They're CHEEEEEEEEP at the parts store; just replace em. Not worth the trouble and risk of trying to do that yourself. Some things ARE worth doing that; that one however, is not among them.

Get the "caliper recall kit" and install it into the new ones. AFAIK no rebuilt ones come with it.

Not real sure what an "e-brake" is; these cars only have 2 brake systems, the normal "service" brakes that work when you step on the pedal, and the parking brake for when you pull up on the handle. With that brake system, you MUST use the parking brake EVERY TIME YOU STEP OUT OF THE CAR, and maybe twice on Sundays just for good measure; it's the ONLY thing that keeps it adjusted. Your current situation is probably the result of long-term failure to use the parking brake.

I'd also suggest doing the proportioning valve mod, which involves changing the spring in there and maybe shimming it. Do a search on this forum for details.

 

The recall kit is essentially a rebuild kit:

Part Number: 18019028 from GM Parts Direct, listed as "Actuator" and included parts for both rear calipers, pistons, springs, seals, etc.

 

True dat... makes alot more sense to put it into a caliper that's all fresh and new with a nice straight un-pitted bore and a tight-fitting piston, than some grungy wore-out 30-yr-old rust bomb, though.

 

i understand the parts houses will sell me a rebuilt caliper for $50 but it makes absolutely no sense to me to purchase a rebuilt caliper and rebuild it. seems as though if i rebuild a caliper it should be one that i already have or purchase a properly rebuilt caliper. ive done some reading and found that the "recall kit" is the kit to use. However i was just considering purchasing rebuilt calipers from advance @$50 each and 25% off sale. however if i understand correctly the rebuilt calipers WONT have the recall kit installed????? that throws a wrench in my plans.