caliper rebuild

My calipers are in pieces and soaking in brake cleaner. I'll continue scrubbing but am wondering: do I really need to get rebuild kits to replace the dust and piston seals or can I reuse them?

Also: how clean is clean? I've been scrubbing with a tooth brush and a cloth and a final stripping pad and all I see is a bit of discoloration. There's no gunky build-up. What sort of cleaning tools do I need? (I don't have an air compressor)

 

Squeaky clean is the rule when it comes to brakes, we bike riders don't have too much margin for error as far as brakes are concerned. If you have the calipers apart, you should replace everything, it is inexpensive enough and your safety depends upon them working right the first time, every time. I've used a scotchbright pad buff chucked into my dremel to clean up my grooves (that is until I got my bead blaster online).

 

Definitely agree on the clean part, and I personally would not re-use the o-rings.

Where in Southern Ontario? Wife & I were just over there for a few days.

 

Ditto on using the green scotchbright pads - works great for me. Cheap, durable, disposable, and readily available.