Author Topic: Brake Calipers won't fit  (Read 3469 times)

Offline money pit

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Brake Calipers won't fit
« on: September 19, 2016 - 07:31:58 AM »
I just finish rebuilding the front end of my 73 challenger. I replaced the bushings, ball joints, etc. I tried to reinstall the brake calipers but the fitting for the brake hose hits the rear nut that holds the steering knuckles to the lower ball joint. I replaced the brake hoses. The new hoses are the exactly the same as the old hoses. I even put the old hose back on. it still hits the bolt. Is there a right and left caliper? I may have mixed them up when I removed them, Is there a brake hose that has a shorter fitting that connects to the caliper? I just don't understand what happened. Thanks




Offline anlauto

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2016 - 07:38:32 AM »
Yes of course there's a right and left caliper....when mounted the bleeder screw needs to be at the top as well as the flex hose.
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Offline purple1

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2016 - 08:14:19 AM »
Yep, sounds like you got them switched. Pictures would help. But like Alan says the bleeders need to be up top. If the bleeders are not on top you could never get all the air out. Don't worry you're not the first one to make this mistake.

Dave


Worlds first e-body trailer.    Severna Park, Maryland

Offline anlauto

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2016 - 08:18:58 AM »
This is the driver's side...
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Offline anlauto

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2016 - 08:19:20 AM »
The red plug is where the hose goes...
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Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2016 - 09:31:39 AM »
My knuckle looks a little different. I noticed that you have the bolt head on the lower ball joint mounting. I have the nut on the ball joint monting. I think I do have the calipers switched. I have the the bleeder is on the bottom. Thanks for the info.

Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2016 - 10:07:33 AM »
Also, I'm trying to tighten the nut for the pivot shaft on the lower control arm but it spins. I tried an impact but it still spins. Any suggestions.  Thanks. You all have been a great help.

Offline purple1

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2016 - 10:14:25 AM »
Also, I'm trying to tighten the nut for the pivot shaft on the lower control arm but it spins. I tried an impact but it still spins. Any suggestions.  Thanks. You all have been a great help.

Did you install new pins? If these are originals clean the threads. Maybe running a tap and die on the threads and the bolt will clean them up.

Dave


Worlds first e-body trailer.    Severna Park, Maryland

Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2016 - 11:42:13 PM »
Right now there is no tension on the torsion bars. If t put tension on the bars will the pivot still spin? Thanks

Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2016 - 01:45:25 AM »
I'm assuming your running Poly bushings?  Cause that can't happen with rubber bushings... Force the control arm/pin forward so the taper locks into the K member.....
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Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2016 - 03:08:06 AM »
I installed rubber bushing. If I put tension on the torsion bars will that prevent the shaft from spinning?

Offline burdar

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #11 on: September 20, 2016 - 08:53:38 AM »
DO NOT tighten the nut until the car is at ride height.  If you tighten the nut with the suspension hanging, you will ruin the bushing.  The bushing needs to remain in a neutral position when the car is at ride height.  The bushing will be "preloaded" if you tighten it down in any other position.

Also, a rubber bushing should be bonded to the inner/outer metal sleeves.  It shouldn't spin when you are trying to tighten the bolt.  A poly bushing is different.  If you indeed have rubber bushings, something sounds wrong.  Can you post a picture of what you are working with?

Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #12 on: September 21, 2016 - 02:52:00 AM »
I had the bushing installed at a machine shop. I hope they installed it correctly. I'll try to send a picture. I've had problems in the past. Thanks for the info. I'll loosen the nut on the other side until I set the ride height.

Offline rUNCHARGER

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #13 on: September 21, 2016 - 10:56:46 AM »
A little thing I do is when the ride height is set, I give a tap with a hammer on the end of the stud just to make sure the bushing is not bound up and goes to a "neutral set" before tightening the nut.

Sheldon

Offline money pit

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Re: Brake Calipers won't fit
« Reply #14 on: September 21, 2016 - 07:54:08 PM »
I installed the calipers with the bleeder on the top. The calipers went on without any problems. The issue I have now, is the routing of the hoses. Do the hoses go infront of the shock or behind the shock. the car is on jack stands so the suspension is lower than normal. I wished I paid more attention when I took it apart.
Another question I have, how do you install the rubber boots for the torsion bars. I'm having a heck of a time fitting a round hole on the boot over the hexagon torsion bar. I tried silacon spray, brute force etc.  I'll try to send a picture. I'm having problems attaching picyures. Thanks for any help.