Hi all.

New rotors, "factory" rebuilt ATE calipers, pads all messed up with brake fluid.

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/faultyaterebuiltcaliper

Questions:

Is this type of failure UNcommon? Do they pressure test rebuilds
before shipping? Any pointers on inspecting the new replacement
caliper before purchase?

Vendor owns a Vanagon and took time to compare this "brand" of
rebuilds to offerings from local FLAPS. I trust the vendor. But if I
get another bum one, I'm afraid my head will pop off.  <grin>

Will brake parts cleaner *really* clean rotor back to "new"? Same for
new brake pads? (instinct says swap in new pads though)

Rant on.

I'm so f'g mad. I know that brake calipers get rebuilt over and over,
but this certainly speaks to me that I would have been better off
rebuilding my old calipers or biting the bullet by upgrading to more
modern parts. (big brake or post '86 style) Either that or stand over
the 420 influenced lacky that put these together and make sure
assembly and testing was correct and done. I can accept f'g up with
assembly of non life threatening parts like a cheap 12V light, but
brakes? Unacceptable.

Thankfully, it happened close to home and not on my trip.

Rant off.

Of note for local North Vancouverites:

Mark at Lonsdale Wheel Alignment, spotted leak. (I think he's the
owner.... Beetle Spa sends their alignment stuff to him) Something
felt hinky on route to shop. 1st thought: "MC? Nah. It's almost new".
2nd thought: "pads bedding in?" I may not have looked for the leak. He
did me a solid. My Westy drives better too.

John at VanWonder spotted leak super quick. I was able to describe
exactly what I did, which helped, but credit where credits due. Left
to my own designs, I would have assumed a "new" caliper just shouldn't
leak. I probably would have found it, but a second set of experienced
eyes really helped.

Thanks for any help. :)

Neil.
--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines