Storing Spare Calipers

[backformore]

I have some calipers removed from my Honda that were replaced with rebuilt pieces. I want to save/store the removed calipers as "spares". Since the had brake fluid in them and it is really hydroscopic (sp?), I am concerned about moisture in the piston/cylinder bore causing rust and making them unusable.

Any suggestions on the best way to store these, short of disassembly. I have sprayed brake cleaner into the calipers to remove the bulk of the brake fluid but am not sure if that is sufficient.

Thanks,
Rory

[Greg Amy]

I would advocate actually filling them up with brake fluid, plugging the fitting holes snugly to keep air from getting in, and storing them in plastic sealed bags.

[Greg Gauper]

If you have access to one of those vacuum baggers for storing food in the freezer, they work great for this. Vacuum and seal the bag and your good to go. When my wife upgraded to a larger unit for the kitchen, I grabbed the old unit for my shop for just this purpose.

[JeffYoung]

I actually would not spray brake cleaner into the calipers. that stuff is really bad for the caliper seals.

I store mine "loose" -- so long as they are not getting water on them, and you are using them on a fairly regular basis, you should be ok without doing anything drastic.

I have some calipers removed from my Honda that were replaced with rebuilt pieces. I want to save/store the removed calipers as "spares". Since the had brake fluid in them and it is really hydroscopic (sp?), I am concerned about moisture in the piston/cylinder bore causing rust and making them unusable.

Any suggestions on the best way to store these, short of disassembly. I have sprayed brake cleaner into the calipers to remove the bulk of the brake fluid but am not sure if that is sufficient.

Thanks,
Rory

[Knestis]

I made "plugs" for mine out of old hard lines, cut and folded/pinched shut.

K

[dickita15]

Wd-40?

[Matt93SE]

I would fill them with fluid and cap the lines as well.
alternatively, you could completely clean them, rebuild the pistons with brake assembly lube, then reassemble them "dry". stick them in a plastic bag with dessicant and box them.

that said, every caliper I've bought from a parts store simply has a plastic plug shoved in the hole, or it has nothing.. and I'm sure they sit on the shelf for weeks/months/years at a time somewhere.

[jimbbski]

I would fill them with fluid and cap the lines as well.
alternatively, you could completely clean them, rebuild the pistons with brake assembly lube, then reassemble them "dry". stick them in a plastic bag with dessicant and box them.

that said, every caliper I've bought from a parts store simply has a plastic plug shoved in the hole, or it has nothing.. and I'm sure they sit on the shelf for weeks/months/years at a time somewhere.

I have always rebuilt mine using "brake grease" on the seals & boots as well as the piston & piston bore. I then insert pulgs in the threaded opening for the brake fluid line and a cap on the bleeder. They will last years this way in my basement.

I never put them in plastic bags with dessicant but that would be a very good idea if you are taking them to the track as spares and then store them in your garage between races.