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Car Forum / Ford / Ford Trucks / September 2003

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Caliper boot torn open

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Ed B. - 28 Sep 2003 01:40 GMT
I took my 1993 F-250 to Midas for a brake inspection because they were
squeaking, and they said both front calipers have torn boots, and that I
should have them both replaced (for a hefty sum) or they could seize and my
brakes would lock up.  I'm not sure what they mean by a "torn" boot.  Anyone
familiar with this, and could it really lead to my brakes locking up?

Ed B.
buch75@comcast.net
Scribb Abell - 28 Sep 2003 02:19 GMT
in respect to Eds concern over his front brakes locking up because
"My"d"a.s"(Midas) told him his caliper boots were ripped and "could"
cause it to happen......

Ed,
   anythings possible. You carried it in for an
inspection for just a squeak, which shows you
got a little common sense about you, so.......

Consider this..........

your brakes working ok?

you got time to get them checked every 12 months for a "pad wear
pattern"?

have they "locked up" yet?

have you heard of a class-action suit concerning it?

have you ever heerd of overzealous diagnostics? (aka...a.s covering)

how long you reckon them boots been torn...
with no serious ramifications?

how you reckon they got torn?
(My"d"a.s??)

__
oo
L
O

you a poor work'n slob....with kids to feed?

you a rich man, with money to burn?

Ed, anything is possible.  But I have never, ever, never, ever, even
once seen a brake caliper to cause brakes to lockup without giving the
some sort of indication that the brakes needed to be inspected, simply
by using noise
and "feel" as an indicator.  And like I said, you
seem to have some sense about you.
  I wouldn't hold it too hard against the folks
down at the ole "My"d"a.s".......they all been brainwashed by
professionalism, training seminars, hard sell corporate suites, and ....
boneass incentive based pay plans.  Most techs mean well.......they jest
too damned scared, fer der own reasons, to do well.
   I guess I could have jest said that if you
didn't have anyother probs....to jest git em
checked out when you notice one. But....
I like to type......

"Need for Service Quetionaire"
provided by,

Scribs Abell
~~loves it when the cussimer says "fix it"....
even after being told..."it'll last a while longer, see you next year,
unless you notice a problem first".......~~
Scribb Abell - 28 Sep 2003 02:22 GMT
Midas

(my"d"a.s) wouldn't let em fix a lawnmower.....
decent work.....but too expensive .

Scrib Abel
~~supports supporting the independents......
before they ain't no good ones left...~~
Scott - 28 Sep 2003 03:52 GMT
> I took my 1993 F-250 to Midas for a brake inspection because they were
> squeaking, and they said both front calipers have torn boots, and that I
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Ed B.
> buch75@comcast.net

I would say the chances of both front calipers having torn
boots is about the same as being struck by lightening.

I would think you would see brake fluid leaking from the torn
boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
BOSS - 28 Sep 2003 04:36 GMT
Boot keeps the crap and water out, has nothing to do with the sealing of the
piston other than it protects the cylinder from damage that could lead to a
leak. So their right it could seize, most likely won't but its their license
that¹s on the line.

On 9/27/03 11:52 PM, in article vncin5c969vde7@corp.supernews.com, "Scott"
<roadhousenospam@pcweb.net> wrote:

>> I took my 1993 F-250 to Midas for a brake inspection because they were
>> squeaking, and they said both front calipers have torn boots, and that I
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
> never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
Ed B. - 28 Sep 2003 05:37 GMT
When they said "boot", I assumed they were talking about a rubber boot that
covers part of the calipers, but when I said that, the Midas person
explained it like the boot was actually the piston.  I haven't seen any
brake fluid leaking and I haven't had any problems with the brakes other
than occasional squeaking, so my assumption is that I don't need to worry
about this.  I might crawl under there and see if there is a rubber boot
that's broken, that would be easy to replace.

By the way, I went to buy some rear brake shoes today because they are worn
down, and there's two sizes available, 2 1/2" and 3".  Any way to tell which
ones I have without actually having to remove them?

Ed B.

> Boot keeps the crap and water out, has nothing to do with the sealing of the
> piston other than it protects the cylinder from damage that could lead to a
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> > boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
> > never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
BOSS - 28 Sep 2003 07:28 GMT
Just as cheap to replace the calipers with rebuilt calipers, that¹s what I
did on my truck. 20.00 each! Might as well and be done with it.

On 9/28/03 1:37 AM, in article fAtdb.604252$Ho3.118735@sccrnsc03, "Ed B."
<buch75@comcast.net> wrote:

> When they said "boot", I assumed they were talking about a rubber boot that
> covers part of the calipers, but when I said that, the Midas person
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
>>> boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
>>> never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
Scribb Abell - 28 Sep 2003 17:08 GMT
......


Re: Caliper boot torn open  

Group: alt.trucks.ford Date: Sun, Sep 28, 2003, 4:37am (CDT+5) From:
buch75@comcast.net (Ed B.)

When they said "boot", I assumed they were talking about a rubber boot
that covers part of the calipers, but when I said that, the Midas person
explained it like the boot was actually the piston.

    I haven't seen any brake fluid leaking and I haven't had any
problems with the brakes other than occasional squeaking, so my
assumption is that I don't need to worry about this. I might crawl under
there and see if there is a rubber boot that's broken, that would be
easy to replace.

By the way, I went to buy some rear brake shoes today because they are
worn down, and there's two sizes available, 2 1/2" and 3". Any way to
tell which ones I have without actually having to remove them?

Ed B.
------------------------------------

Ed,
   the shoe size is stamped on the outer face
of the brake drum.  Wheel off to get at the number.  You can also
measure across the
actual surface of the shoe to get the width.

Suggestion?
    buy both sets and return the ones you don't use.  Don't be fulled
by axle weight ratings, tow
packages, or other guess work solutions to the
size of the shoes.......it's a toss of the coin at
the parts store in those cases.  Yank a wheel off, or buy both sizes and
return the one you
don't use.

   A caliper boot is just a simple rubber bladder
encasement for the caliper piston.  It's purpose
is to keep the piston surface free of moister and
debris.  A "lip seal" is installed in a groove on the outer-most , inner
edge, of the caliper bore to keep the fluid in.  The atmospheric side of
the seal will act like a windshield wiper and keep the surface of the
caliper piston clean for
a long while after the "dust boot" is torn.  
  A dust boot can be torn for years with no
serious ramifications.  But calipers are cheap
enough now-a-days,  so make your own final
decision.

Want to know a good way to check for a leaking caliper?

And the easiest?

s
c
r
o
l
l

down

YOU TEAR THE BOOT TO SEE IF ANY FLUID COMES OUT.

hehehehehehehehe

get the picture?

Scrib's Abell
(are you?)
.
cdr - 28 Sep 2003 18:56 GMT
You can buy new or used calipers, rebuild them, whatever.  But I recomend
the ceramic over the semi-metalic.
had no squeaks since I changed over.

CDR

......

Re: Caliper boot torn open

Group: alt.trucks.ford Date: Sun, Sep 28, 2003, 4:37am (CDT+5) From:
buch75@comcast.net (Ed B.)

When they said "boot", I assumed they were talking about a rubber boot
that covers part of the calipers, but when I said that, the Midas person
explained it like the boot was actually the piston.

    I haven't seen any brake fluid leaking and I haven't had any
problems with the brakes other than occasional squeaking, so my
assumption is that I don't need to worry about this. I might crawl under
there and see if there is a rubber boot that's broken, that would be
easy to replace.

By the way, I went to buy some rear brake shoes today because they are
worn down, and there's two sizes available, 2 1/2" and 3". Any way to
tell which ones I have without actually having to remove them?

Ed B.
------------------------------------

Ed,
   the shoe size is stamped on the outer face
of the brake drum.  Wheel off to get at the number.  You can also
measure across the
actual surface of the shoe to get the width.

Suggestion?
    buy both sets and return the ones you don't use.  Don't be fulled
by axle weight ratings, tow
packages, or other guess work solutions to the
size of the shoes.......it's a toss of the coin at
the parts store in those cases.  Yank a wheel off, or buy both sizes and
return the one you
don't use.

   A caliper boot is just a simple rubber bladder
encasement for the caliper piston.  It's purpose
is to keep the piston surface free of moister and
debris.  A "lip seal" is installed in a groove on the outer-most , inner
edge, of the caliper bore to keep the fluid in.  The atmospheric side of
the seal will act like a windshield wiper and keep the surface of the
caliper piston clean for
a long while after the "dust boot" is torn.
  A dust boot can be torn for years with no
serious ramifications.  But calipers are cheap
enough now-a-days,  so make your own final
decision.

Want to know a good way to check for a leaking caliper?

And the easiest?

s
c
r
o
l
l

down

YOU TEAR THE BOOT TO SEE IF ANY FLUID COMES OUT.

hehehehehehehehe

get the picture?

Scrib's Abell
(are you?)
.
Exodus - 29 Sep 2003 05:32 GMT
Ceramic and semi-metallic calipers?  I think you must be referring to
brake pads and shoes instead.

> You can buy new or used calipers, rebuild them, whatever.  But I recomend
> the ceramic over the semi-metalic.
[quoted text clipped - 76 lines]
> (are you?)
> .
Ed B. - 29 Sep 2003 07:34 GMT
Thanks for all the advice.

I see Autozone has new calipers for $39.99, so I'll probably go that route
and replace them.

Ed

> Ceramic and semi-metallic calipers?  I think you must be referring to
> brake pads and shoes instead.
[quoted text clipped - 90 lines]
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.521 / Virus Database: 319 - Release Date: 09/23/2003
Exodus - 30 Sep 2003 00:34 GMT
They should cost less than that.  Don't forget that they are charging
you a core charge that will be refunded when you return the old
calipers.

> Thanks for all the advice.
>
[quoted text clipped - 97 lines]
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.521 / Virus Database: 319 - Release Date: 09/23/2003
jason - 28 Sep 2003 05:38 GMT
tell them to stick those torn boots somewhere....go to a better
shop..never a nation wide shop.......if a locally owned shop did that
to their customers, they would be out of business in a year......ask
around and find a shop that relies on returning customers.

>> I took my 1993 F-250 to Midas for a brake inspection because they were
>> squeaking, and they said both front calipers have torn boots, and that I
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
>never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
BOSS - 28 Sep 2003 07:34 GMT
I'd say he's at a good shop and he's getting good advice. Its one thing for
a person to risk such a thing on there own. But for a business to let this
slid would be unacceptable! The only thing I'd do differently is replace the
whole calipers with rebuilds for $20.00 each. If the boots are worn chances
are the seals are not far behind either.

You should know better than suggesting such a thing especially when it comes
to the front breaks.

On 9/28/03 1:38 AM, in article 0apcnvc3mfialp6jqrkc8qu1hfb807tcb6@4ax.com,

> tell them to stick those torn boots somewhere....go to a better
> shop..never a nation wide shop.......if a locally owned shop did that
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>> boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
>> never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
BOSS - 28 Sep 2003 16:12 GMT
Breaks = brakes I Need some sleep. lol

On 9/28/03 3:34 AM, in article BB9C0742.F371%sd172405v@nb.aibn.com, "BOSS"
<sd172405v@nb.aibn.com> wrote:

> I'd say he's at a good shop and he's getting good advice. Its one thing for
> a person to risk such a thing on there own. But for a business to let this
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>>> boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
>>> never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.
Exodus - 28 Sep 2003 06:26 GMT
> > I took my 1993 F-250 to Midas for a brake inspection because they were
> > squeaking, and they said both front calipers have torn boots, and that I
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> boot onto the inner side of your tires, but I can't be sure, I have
> never had a torn piston boot on a caliper.

The boot does not act as a seal for hydraulic fluid.  It is a dust seal
to keep abrasive material from getting between the cylinder bore and the
piston.  Obviously, if you get dirt infiltration at this point, it could
eventually cause scoring of the machined surfaces.  As a result, that
could then lead to leakage of hydraulic fluid.  Subsequently, it could
lead to binding of the brakes.
 
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