One caliper sticking... replace both?

Any reason to replace both calipers at the same time, or can I just replace the one that is causing issues?

No particular reason to change the good one, other than the fact that it is likely the same age as the one that failed.

I've only ever replaced the one that is "broken".

I've replaced a pair on something I intended to keep forever, but it's likely just a waste of money.

Rebuild the one that is sticking? Rebuild both just so they both are fresh?

Cost vs rebuild, my RX7 calipers were nearly $600 for 4 rebuilt, and $6 for 4 rebuild kits

I have no idea why, but I had a 280Z that had a sticking caliper. I only ever rebuilt the sticking one as, for some reason (perhaps bad rebuild?) it was the only one that ever needed it. I also owned a G20 that did the same thing. Never had that problem on the 3 Hondas and 1 Acura I've owned.

I've always rebuilt them in pairs, but the one time I had to replace one, I only replaced that one. I did rebuild the other caliper on the axle.

aussiesmg wrote: Cost vs rebuild, my RX7 calipers were nearly $600 for 4 rebuilt, and $6 for 4 rebuild kits

Cavalier - it was $8 more for a complete caliper without pads than it was for a new pair of bolts.

Will a rebuild kit take care of a sticking caliper?

Is it just a swollen main seal?

The slides move silky smooth.

You probably have a worn cylinder bore or have crap that's keeping the piston from moving. I'd bet that you can clean it up and do a rebuild and get a lot more service from the caliper.

check the rubber hoses too.

Likely the sliding pin or the piston are rusted.

I sent my calipers to a buddy to rebuild, the sliding pin had rusted/seized and broke his vice, then he had to drill it out.

Taiden, I was thinking you drive an e30? If so, rebuilt calipers are cheap if you didn't want to futz with it.

It's the e28 I just picked up. The e30 is all good at the moment.

I ended up buying two caliper rebuild kits from rock auto. We'll see if it's more of a headache than it's worth.

I have an atlas benchtop lathe that im borrowing from a friend. I'm thinking of turning off the rust on the pistons. I wouldn't turn it to a lesser dimension than the good part of the piston, of course. Bad idea?

Bad idea ! Just clean off the surface rust. Fine sandpaper works fine. If the piston is pitted, time to replace. Rust and or tired piston seal are the causes of the piston sticking.

Bad idea! Got it.