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Rear brake caliper question for 1988 GTA

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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 09:00 AM
  #1  
thunder85's Avatar
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Car: 1988 firebird trans am GTA
Engine: 5.7L w/hsr
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: posi 3.23
Rear brake caliper question for 1988 GTA

As is expected from this poor design the ebrake ratcheting mechanism in my PS rear caliper has failed and I'd like to replace it. I have the borg-warner 9bolt rear end so i'm not sure if any other year calipers with a more functional e-brake mechanism fit, though if they do please let me know. So who makes the best reman now? I'm looking at the Napa CAL SE4715 which looks decent (though expensive) but there aren't any reviews so hoping someone in here will have some input.

In addition to that i was wondering if there's a tech article or diagrams available somewhere so i can pop it apart to verify the e-brake system has been rebuilt in a way that it stays working? I'm just frustrated as the caliper i replaced 15 years ago works great still with no issues and the one I replaced 5 years ago has failed. damn thing only has one notch for the brake pad on it as well so i can't even just rotate it a bit to take up the slack for an upcoming inspection.

thanks all!
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 07:37 AM
  #2  
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Car: 2016 Camaro SS + 1986 Z28
Re: Rear brake caliper question for 1988 GTA

I've never been a fan of those older style delco/moraine calipers. My only experience with them was having them locked up and worthless. Is your goal to keep the car original? I've got plenty of time spent with the PBR rear calipers, and they always have served me well. Maybe swap 'em out if that's an option? As for the specifics of YOUR calipers though, I'm afraid I'm not much help.
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Old Jun 2, 2022 | 03:38 PM
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hessm70's Avatar
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From: Southern Indiana
Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 355 TPI w/AFR 195s Dyno Don Headers
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9 Bolt, 3.27 gears
Re: Rear brake caliper question for 1988 GTA

I second what @Abubaca said. I just replaced mine with original calipers, pads and rotors. 1) They aren't that great and 2) They make some horrendous sounds at times. I have tried all the tricks (bending tabs, silicone grease). Still suck! I should have bought the PBR setup and may still so if anyone can pass along the part numbers it would be helpful.
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