Frank B Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 Ok, some time ago I had to replace the left front axle on my 89 gl-10. No problem right? Well it wasn't since I've had to do it 10 times before like every other subaru owner. Well in the process I managed to pinch, or fold, the inner seal and in a few weeks the bearings start singing. Ok, so I pull it all apart and replace them. In a few weeks I start hearing a squeeking or rubbing sound from the front left. It sounds more like somebody rubbing a balloon then metal grinding. So I start tearing it apart again with new bearings and seals in hand. Well after I remove the caliper I turn the hub and the noise is gone! Realizing that the noise is from the brakes I clean and re-lube the brakes. Well yesterday my girlfriend washes the car and guess what? The sound is back! Thinking it's the bearings...again, I get those new bearings and seals out I had purchased last time and tear into it. But this time I decide to eliminate all other possibilities and order a new axle too. But I notice that the caliper is dragging and the pressure is causing the squeek. Cool, I just need to tear the caliper open and clean it. It comes apart easy enough but now I can't get the piston back in! It has to turn in since I turned it out but it will not go! I try and try, take a break, have a glass of brandy, and call the parts stores that are still open at 7pm and low and behold the front caliper is an order only item that they can't get untill tuesday! I need the car, my girlfriend drives it and has two kids to taxi around. So I go out and try again, this time with more enthusiasm and the motivation of a father not wanting to let his family down and inconvenience them by not having a car. Well, I guess I tried too hard and I managed to tear the piston boot, and fold the seal/o-ring, and still cannot get the piston to turn in! Have another glass of brandy.....Caliper is shot. It can't be used and I need a new one. Can't have one untill tuesday, and all the local junkyards are closed tomorrow. So, as I drink the last of the brandy, I ask you this, is there ANYBODY within 2 hours or so from luray virginia that has a left front caliper to fit my 89 gl-10? I'll come and get it tomorrow(sunday 4/30) cash in hand. breeze_863d@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 Often it's hard to turn them in without being able to apply pressure to it while turning. Try removing the bleeder screw completely - that way you will not have to push all the fluid back into the reservior. Sometimes that is not enough either - Harbor Frieght sells a disc brake tools kit with a clamp and mehcanism to apply pressure to the piston while turning it. That may be a good option for you - they are $29.99 IIRC. Try the bleeder screw trick first - messy and you'll have to bleed that caliper when you are done. The piston boot can be reaplaced easily - you can buy a caliper rebuild kit for a couple dollars that includes that boot. GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eponodyne Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 If you *have* to, you can leave the caliper off, fold the brake hose back on itself a couple of times, and use your good friend baling wire to hold it in the crimped position. Not your first choice, obviously, but it'll work for a couple of days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meeky Moose Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 i'm ruckersville, va if you can get here before noon i have 2 front calipers that came off an 85 ea82 wagon.. same caliper.. all ea82 calipers were.. breeze_863d@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank B Posted April 30, 2006 Author Share Posted April 30, 2006 Yes I can, if I know where to go in Ruckersville.. Pm sent, Thanks Meeky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank B Posted April 30, 2006 Author Share Posted April 30, 2006 eponodyne said: If you *have* to, you can leave the caliper off, fold the brake hose back on itself a couple of times, and use your good friend baling wire to hold it in the crimped position. Not your first choice, obviously, but it'll work for a couple of days. I have the caliper off, with the brake line dissconnected so there isn't any pressure behind it. It either won't start on the threads, or can't get past the seal, even after being greased up. Either way, I can't do anything with it without a rebuild(re-seal) kit. Maybe at a later date, I will get a kit and try again so I have a spare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 frank, i got a caliper you can have. i won't have internet access all day, but you can call if you still need one. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank B Posted May 1, 2006 Author Share Posted May 1, 2006 Meeky hooked me up! I came home with two, a right and a left. I got it all back together and it still squeeked so I opened it back up and replaced the bearings and seals. The inner seal was torn but I vividly remember taking care not to tear or fold it over when I replaced it before. Oh well. I was going to replace the axle too since I was so close, but the one I ordered from Advance was wrong! Correct box, wrong part in it. And one boot clamp was missing, another was loose! I knew there was a reason I don't buy many parts from them! Sorry Tony After a spirited ride back to return the axle, it hasn't made any noise yet. But it took a few weeks last time. I'll go out and re-torque the axle nut as soon as this beer disappears. Thanks to Meeky, and Gary for the offer. This board is awsome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meeky Moose Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 well, even though i'm manager here at this advance.. i still don't buy my axles or clutches from work anymore.. i've gotten several that were used, cores, bad, etc.. and i friggin manage one of thier stores! i got a bad one for the brat too, and i ordered the brand new GCK axles.. not the remans.. go figure.. lol.. clutch i bought lasted about 5 blocks and the pressure plate went out.. so i ordered another, it was used in teh box. i said screw it and went to napa.. just a tip..have them look up a 90 loyale rs turbo for your ea82 turbo wagon.. the parts are more accurate.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now