Jettplane

I have a 1992 honda civic four door and I noticed wet spots around the wheel well. After further inspection, I came across a small puddle of liquid inside the wheel. I figured it was brake fluid. There was no obvious visible leak. I tried to find where it was leaking by applying the brakes when the car was on and off but none. I checked the brake lines and I'm sure they were fine. Every time I go for a drive however, there's always a new small puddle of brake fluid even when I wipe it off each time. What could it be?

And when I find an answer to the leaking problem, I'm gonna change the brake pads as well. What are good options for brake pads? I know not to get the cheap ones. I just need something reputable and reliable with a good reasonable price. What are my options for over the shelf and online?

Thanks in advance.

delsolintegra

I've used autozone because they have a good exchange policy and I changed out calipers, rotors and pads on a 94 del sol.

Old calipers get turned in for the "core charge" so you may as well do that locally. Their refurbed calipers are done in Mexico.

Their rotors are from China.

They got various levels of pads. I think they're done in India. Haaa!

The brake master cylinder is another consideration. Sometimes they leak and the fluid collects in the brake booster housing and you never see the leak externally!

Join their rewards program for free and you'll get a little discount.

I'm speaking from a economic perspective.
Some people hate their stuff.

MadVladCivic

Bendix ceramics. RockAuto.com

Have you checked inside the caliper around the dust boot? Is the banjo
bolt crush washer still sealing? Is the bleed valve secure?

Are you sure its brake fluid? Is the pedal softer? Is the brake
fluid reservoir level down?

Jettplane

If I get autozone, I'll probably get the duralast cmax. And thanks for the info.

I'll check out the booster but Im pretty sure the leak is in the caliper.

Jettplane

I'll check that out. Heard of Hawk pads?

Which one is the dust boot?
And I also thought that it could be the washer. Gonna check it.

Yes Im sure its break fluid cause the reservoir decreases a little..

MadVladCivic

Hawk pads are high end performance pads I think.

When you "fold" the caliper up, you should see the piston
protruding from the bore. The rubber ring around the lip of the
bore is the boot. The presence of fluid would suggest that
the inner seal has failed. It can be re-built if you have the time.
You can order a caliper re-build kit from Honda.

See Majestichonda.com for a diagram of the brake.

Jettplane

So if that's the problem, can I just change that o ring? Or need a replacement caliper?

MadVladCivic

You will need to change the dust boot, inner seal and the rigid
metal semi-ring that communicates w/ the dust boot. Check
out the Majestic website and see what the boot rebuild kit
for your yr includes. I am referring to a 96.

You can find a re-build for a typical Honda caliper at youtube.
You'll need access to compressed gas to extricate the piston.
Position a block of wood or a hunk of beef to absorb the energy of
the piston as it leaves the bore. That is why I wrote "if you have
the time". Make sure the bleed valve is sealed. You will also
need a new crush washer, which usually comes w/ the rebuild
kits offered by Honda. Then, you will need to bleed that line
using a dead blow hammer to make sure no air clings to
the inside of the caliper. You can use brake fluid to lube up
the rubber parts and piston upon re-build.

The alternative is to purchase an inexpensive caliper w/ no core,
place it on the car and then re-build the Honda caliper and save it
for a rainy day. You will still need a new crush washer (assuming
one does not come w/ the caliper) and to bleed it. See Rock Auto
for cheap replacements. Small silicone plugs come in handy
for stopping the fluid loss from an opened line. You can get free
samples online from such places as Alliance Plastics.

MadVladCivic

Try here for starters:

http://www.performanceforum.com/wesv...s/rebuild.html

Jettplane

So I took off the caliper and found where it was leaking from. You were right. It's leaking from the rubber ring around the piston. I don't really have time to rebuild it or have the confidence and skill to do it. Haha so I might just buy another caliper.. Can I just go to a local store and buy one? Which store do you recommend? I heard Napa is better than Autozone? And can I buy that plug at a store too?

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Sounds like somebody needs to read this: [FAQ] Your Guide to Buying Quality Aftermarket Maintenance Parts for your Civic

That said, the rebuilt calipers will typically be a Nissin originally, so just have a look at the part inside the box if you go to a local shop. This is what you want.

Jettplane

Thanks for the info.

belairbrian

I replaced all four calipers recently. Went through Autozone. But ordered them through online. Got 20% off and free shipping. You pay the core charge but you take your receipt and cores to the local store for the core refund.

All four were OEM castings. The AZ calipers came with all new clips and bolts.

Jettplane

So you're saying Autozone should be considered too? How are they? Any problems or different feeling with them?

MadVladCivic

I use Rock Auto for non-Honda parts. I replaced a caliper last yr
using a Honda re-manny from Majestic Honda. Majestic credits the
core charge for 30 days allowing you to return the old caliper to them in
the postage paid box wi/ that time.

The only plugs I have seen commercially available are by Motormite.

You need to be sure that the caliper you buy comes w/ 2 crush
washers for the banjo bolt.