Hi Folks. The time has come to replace the rear brake calipers on my Fabia vrs 1.9tdi.  I'm told that I can fit the same size replacement calipers but with the bigger 41mm pistons, in way of an upgrade? Would anyone be able to offer any advice regarding this. Many thanks.

19 minutes ago, johnthomas99 said:

Hi Folks. The time has come to replace the rear brake calipers on my Fabia vrs 1.9tdi.  I'm told that I can fit the same size replacement calipers but with the bigger 41mm pistons, in way of an upgrade? Would anyone be able to offer any advice regarding this. Many thanks.

 

Your back brakes do hardly any work so they don't need an upgrade, larger pistons will move less but press harder, this may cause the ABS at the back to operate more often.

 

What's wrong with your existing calipers?

As @sepulchravesays, no benefit in bigger pistons as the rears do very little work.

Thanks for the replies. I've just upgraded the front to the 312mm discs, calipers and braided lines, but have noticed the rear calipers are binding. Initially I was looking to strip and replace seals etc but it looks like reconditioned caliper are reasonably cheap and I didn't know if was worth upgrading whilst doing this job?

These calipers have a habit of getting a bit crudded up and the handbrake mech' can seize up. You'll pick up a pair of new calipers cheaper/quicker than refurbing. Buy some Traffic Green caliper paint and you're good to go (assuming you have VRS green calipers that is).

 

Thanks. Yes I'll go ahead with the standard Vrs calipers. I wondered what the actual green Vrs colour was so that's helpful. Many thanks.

Hi all, I've decided to refurb the old calipers as the sliders are free, it's just the piston rubber that is split. I've bought a piston kit from Biggred that includes all the seals.

I'm in the process of removing the caliper now which is fairly straightforward but I can't seem to Clamp the brakehose off to stop the fluid dripping out. I have a brake pipe clamp which is not doing the job and I need to have the caliper removed from the vehicle for an hour is so to work on it. Any ideas?

Edited 10 July, 20223 yr by johnthomas99
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Update.... I'm now looking to replace the drivers side rear caliper complete. 

(The passenger rear is working well)

Could anyone offer advice on if I should buy a genuine refurbed caliper or are the cheaper eBay calipers okay. (Obviously they are cheaper and this is my preffered option) Appreciate any advice.

 

A pattern caliper is fine, they're a simple piece of kit so there's no advantage to paying more.

Might also need to fit the handbrake "helper" springs to the lever arm on the back of the caliper...Can't remember which ones I used I think the choice was Passat or T2 van springs...

I prefer to fit the SEAT Alhambra MK1 springs, will be same as VW Sharan MK1 or even Ford Galaxy same age, bought my second pair August 2015 (second car I fitted them to, first time a 2002 VW Polo 9N and this time 2015 VW Polo 6C, I can look out the VW Group part number if you want to go down that road.

 

Edit:-  

LH Handbrake return spring   7M0 615 295 (from 1998 Sharan) – 1off   

RH Handbrake return spring   7M0 615 296 (from 1998 Sharan) – 1off 

Edited 10 July, 20223 yr by rum4mo

Thank you very much all. I will fit a pattern caliper as they a lot cheaper, handbrake springs ordered and on their way. Appreciate all the advice.