The caliper dust caps can be inspected w/o too much effort. A dental
mirror may help to see the underside. Removing pads may be required.
DON'T push on the brake pedal with pads out !!

There's an internal seal on piston that seals hydraulics so caliper
can work ok with worn/tattered dust cap. But..... my guess is that in
time, moisture/etc. can contaminate the piston.  (pic of what looks
like start of rust on one of my old ones with mostly MIA dust cap:
http://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/FrontCaliperToast.jpg)
Installing new pads would push pistons back into caliper possibly
creating trouble  later on. (In my mind I see rust rubbing on cylinder
wall)  Of this I'm NOT certain. Greater brake minds may chime in.   ;)

Neil.

On Mon, Jan 3, 2011 at 9:01 AM, Ken Wyatt <57skibum@gmail.com> wrote:

> Next question is should I plan to redo all of my seals brakes front
> and back.

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

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