Brake Calipers

Single 60 · Post by **Single 60** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:08 pm

How can one tell the difference between a left and right caliper? I am supposed to have a right and left however they both look identical. Thanks for the help.

brianwheelies · Post by **brianwheelies** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:15 pm

most are the same but if there is only one set of bleeder screws on the calipers, the bleeders will be on the top to let the air out.

Single 60 · Post by **Single 60** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 2:04 pm

Thanks wheelies mine have bleeders top and bottem so that should work for me.

Terry

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:20 am

It is the difference in how the calibers are assembled that makes them a left or a right, the parts are the same. I don´t know how much difference it really makes as you find them installed on the wrong side all the time. They may wear better or squeal less if correctly installed, but it not very obvious. It´s how the piston is rotated in the cylinder that makes them a left or right, plus of course the bleeder must also be installed correctly. The correct orientation for the pistons can not easily be explained, a picture from a manual is necessary.

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:23 am

It is the difference in how the calibers are assembled that makes them a left or a right, the parts are the same. I don´t know how much difference it really makes as you find them installed on the wrong side all the time. They may wear better or squeal less if correctly installed, but it not very obvious. It´s how the piston is rotated in the cylinder that makes them a left or right, plus of course the bleeder must also be installed correctly. The correct orientation for the pistons can not easily be explained, a picture from a manual is necessary.

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:25 am

It is the difference in how the calibers are assembled that makes them a left or a right, the parts are the same. I don´t know how much difference it really makes as you find them installed on the wrong side all the time. They may wear better or squeal less if correctly installed, but it not very obvious. It´s how the piston is rotated in the cylinder that makes them a left or right, plus of course the bleeder must also be installed correctly. The correct orientation for the pistons can not easily be explained, a picture from a manual is necessary.

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:37 am

It is the difference in how the calibers are assembled that makes them a left or a right, the parts are the same. I don´t know how much difference it really makes as you find them installed on the wrong side all the time. They may wear better or squeal less if correctly installed, but it not very obvious. It´s how the piston is rotated in the cylinder that makes them a left or right, plus of course the bleeder must also be installed correctly. The correct orientation for the pistons can not easily be explained, a picture from a manual is necessary.

Single 60 · Post by **Single 60** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:18 pm

Thanks wildthings I have a few sets would like to sort them out so I can group them together, will take another close look.

Thanks Terry

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:33 pm

On the 411/412...there are no parts difference left to right. They are all the same...save for the very very early ones, which are actually the same as late model type 3. Those are the ones with only one bleeder and use the thinner, early model pads and rotors. The bleeder goes on top.
That being said...since the calipers have identical parts (within early to late respectively)...if one side of a caliper is bad..you can steal a good part from another caliper wherin the part you need is good.

On the two late model calipers...the only ones you should find on 411/412 on this continent....(except maybe for within early 1971).... you will find the thick pad calipers and the thin pad calipers. Both came with two bleeder screws.
The only difference in assembly...is that the cut-out in the piston where the anti-rotation plate goes....must be the same on each side. So the piston will be rotated opposite on each side. That can be done after assembly, before you start bleeding it.
Just remember, if you swap early thin calipers to a vehicle with late thick ones...or vica versa...you must have the steering knuckles, rotors ad calipers. The parts don't fit each other. The difference in thick to thin started in August of 72. Ray