rear calipers Options

[marks914]

I am trying to get my rear calipers rebuilt on my early 72. The prices are outrageous ($170 per caliper!) does anyone konw if any year rear caliper will work? I also have heard that front calipers will work on the rear (no e-brake though). does it have to be an early caliper or late?
I am in the middle of switching to five lug. Heres the situation: I have SC front struts/ brakes. I could remove the BMW 320 calpiers on the fronts now and put them on the rear. I would like to go stock in the rear but over $300 for calipers, thats crazy.

How difficult is it to rebuild the rear calipers?

Thanks All
Mark

[Joe Ricard]

Rebuild is fairly straight forward. Just a few things you need to be aware of in the adjustment screws for venting. I always look in the book to get it straight. Pistons don't just pop out like the fronts. the screw out and if memory serves it is backwards thread.

Then it is just a few seals and put them back together.
Once you have done this setting venting clearance makes more sense.

2nd yes you can put stock 914/4 front on the back and yes that takes away your parking brake. The difference is 1/8 inch to get the caliper cenered on the rotor if you use a late caliper. Early calipers bolt right on.

This is up to you and if done wrong you could die or kill someone else. Brake bias is essential and critical. You really don't want to over brake the rears.