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General parts buying question...


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OK, my '83 needs new calipers (front). I've looked around online, and am seeing calipers listed as "loaded", "semi-loaded", and "unloaded".

 

Does "loaded" mean the calipers come with everything, no need to buy pads and other hardware separately? Seems like that's the way to go.

 

Opinions, explanations?

 

Thanks.

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my '83 needs new calipers (front).

 

One can only wonder why a Nevada car might need new calipers?

 

I am going to be honest and say I have no idea what caliper parts cost for your car, but for a Loyale front, I paid something like .25 for a new bleeder, and $6 for the rebuild rubbers (square "o" ring and dust shield). My sliders and slider rubbers (boots) were ok. This was on a very rusty east coast car.

 

What makes you think you need new calipers?

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my '83 needs new calipers (front).

 

One can only wonder why a Nevada car might need new calipers?

 

I am going to be honest and say I have no idea what caliper parts cost for your car, but for a Loyale front, I paid something like .25 for a new bleeder, and $6 for the rebuild rubbers (square "o" ring and dust shield). My sliders and slider rubbers (boots) were ok. This was on a very rusty east coast car.

 

What makes you think you need new calipers?

 

 

I went to replace the pads today, and the piston on the passenger side is frozen solid, won't budge.

 

Besides, it's time..these calipers have over 150K on them, and are Kragen Remanufactured (ElCheapo).

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Things DO wear out with age. If someone feels safer wanting new calipers, then let them get new calipers. Being in nevada is not an easy life for a car.

 

I have had cars go thier entire life with the original calipers, and some needing the front ones replaced after a time.

 

 

nipper

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also make sure yoiur emergency brake mechanism isn't what's causing the piston to freeze. you may be able to clean up, free up, and regrease the ebrake parts and have your existing caliper working again.

 

loaded is with pads installed like he said, not sure on semi-loaded, maybe that's just hardware or one pad, just kidding. check around and price. i'd rather buy calipers and choose the pads i want unless there was a significant savings buying the loaded ones.

 

another option is to buy a good set of used calipers and rebuild those. if yours just failed at 150k on rebuilts sounds like those rebuilts were very low quality. i've never had to replace a subaru caliper and i've had a ton of vehicles over 150k. i've rebuilt a couple as preventative maintenance between 150k-200k.

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i've never had to replace a subaru caliper and i've had a ton of vehicles over 150k.

 

300,000 miles (average) here, in fact calipers on Subaru cars are about the most trouble free part here, but don't get me started on aluminum wheel cylinders!

 

Being in nevada is not an easy life for a car.

 

Ok, I'll remember that next time I have to repair a rusted out frame.

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I've had to replace one caliper on my 84 Turbo Wagon. The front p/s had seized and wouldn't budge. Had nothing to do with e-brake or anything. It just wasn't budging.

 

So they do in fact wear out.

 

I'm with nipper. If the person wants to replace the calipers and feel safer while braking, let them.

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