Stainless steel caliper pistons

[negativentropy]

I had a front caliper piston seize on me recently - wrecked the break pad but the rotor is OK. I took the caliper apart this weekend and had a look at the piston. Its pitted and corroded around the rubber seal area. Considering the caliper body probably lasts forever (I wired brushed mine and it looked like new) it occurred to me why not make the pistons out of stainless steel. Then the only parts you'd ever have to replace is the seals and boots.

I took measurements from the pistons and I could make up a bunch. Is there any interest in a product like this?

[Big-Bird]

Sounds like a great idea....many of our members have had encountered seized front calipers due to rust/crud.

What would the magic quantity be to make this a cost effective upgrade (more importantly how much are you looking for each set?)

What grade of stainless are you proposing?

Would there be any reaction between brake fluid and the dissimilar metals of the caliper and the piston? (Brakefluid does aborb moisture so I am curious if there would be a corrosion possibility? This happens quite readily when stainless, carbon steel and salty fluids come into contact with one another.)

Do you know if more than one size of piston was made for the L300 and L400 calipers? (Depends on rebuild kit numbers)

[thelazygreenfox]

NT Great idea. I'd definitely buy a front and rear set of pistons. I havent seen any can or american company that makes only the caliper pistons. Lordco has the rubber boot kits ($50). I'd be interested in a full boot and piston kit if available.

Check sizing of the front and rear pistons, they might be a different size. Find out what the grease is the shops coat the piston with (under the boot).
thanks
TLGF

[negativentropy]

Well stainless steel pistons are a product that does exist for other cars - so Im not too concerned with strange metallurgic reactions.

Im thinking stainless 303 for its corrosion resistance but good machinability.

Material costs for a full set (front and rear) would be about $50. Machining time would probably be a couple of hours per set if I did batch of 5 sets or so.

That would bring the cost to somewhere around $150 before shipping. Still interested?

[thelazygreenfox]

NT
Just checked Rockauto, didn't think they handled just the pistons. Here's the site address. https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carc ... ttype,1724

It may not be worth your time to make them at this price.

thanks
TLGF
Wayne

[negativentropy]

Nah, not for $20 - but if they are stainless I could charge a premium.