ATE Caliper Rebuild

[dodge1chevy2]

I removed the entire front brake system from my '83 R65LS and have been rebuilding over the winter. I took the calibers apart and thoroughly cleaned every part and tiny little crevice. I purchase caliper kits from a reputable vendor and discovered after I inspected the package that the small rubber seal that goes between the caliper halfs was not included. This is the channel that transmits fluid between the caliper halfs. The boxes were marked as BMW factory parts. I called a couple of parts suppliers and learned that this small rubber o-ring (gasket, washer?) is not available as a separate part. The recommendation was to buy a complete rebuilding kit. Well, I have two of those kits and it is apparent that these seals are not included.

So, to my question(s).
I have the original seals and they appear undamaged. What is the risk in reusing the originals?

Or, I could attempt to match the seal in size and composition by searching McMaster-Carr or some other large parts company. If I take this approach, what type of rubber is preferred?

Or, I could go back to original vendor and attempt to convince them that their kits were missing this seal and experience the hassle and expense of returning, purchasing from another vendor, etc. For me, this is the least desirable option.

What does the readership recommend?

Rick T

 

[jdiaz]

I wouldn't reuse the old ones. They are probably already deformed, and definitely old.

I imagine Viton o-rings from Parker should be available from McMaster-Carr. You are going to end up with a bundle of them tho....maybe you can give them away on r65.org

 

[RSR59]

Ate

You could use the seals you have if...
They were not over heated, brittle or have any other apparent damage.
I used to work for ATE and the seals are pretty strong.
But as mentioned, age is an issue.
Look under a magnifying glass for little tears and cracks.
I'd contact the Kit mfg and complain of the missing seals. If nothing else they might be able to get you in touch with the right people.

 

[Bobmws]

I removed the entire front brake system from my '83 R65LS and have been rebuilding over the winter. I took the calibers apart and thoroughly cleaned every part and tiny little crevice. I purchase caliper kits from a reputable vendor and discovered after I inspected the package that the small rubber seal that goes between the caliper halfs was not included. This is the channel that transmits fluid between the caliper halfs. The boxes were marked as BMW factory parts. I called a couple of parts suppliers and learned that this small rubber o-ring (gasket, washer?) is not available as a separate part. The recommendation was to buy a complete rebuilding kit. Well, I have two of those kits and it is apparent that these seals are not included.

So, to my question(s).
I have the original seals and they appear undamaged. What is the risk in reusing the originals?

Or, I could attempt to match the seal in size and composition by searching McMaster-Carr or some other large parts company. If I take this approach, what type of rubber is preferred?

Or, I could go back to original vendor and attempt to convince them that their kits were missing this seal and experience the hassle and expense of returning, purchasing from another vendor, etc. For me, this is the least desirable option.

What does the readership recommend?

Rick T

I believe going back to said reputable vendor would have been my first action.It shouldn't be a hassle.

 

[boxerkuh]

I believe going back to said reputable vendor would have been my first action.It shouldn't be a hassle.

I would not re-use old parts if you are going through the whole system. I would return them to the vendor that you got them from and replace it with a whole new kit that has the rubber washer/spacer that you need. Good luck.