Stoptech Brake Issue: Brand New Calipers Leaking | FerrariChat

Stoptech Brake Issue: Brand New Calipers Leaking

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ExcelsiorZ, Mar 19, 2008.

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  1. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
    BANNED

    Nov 7, 2003
    1,267
    Beverly Hills
    Anyone here with Stoptech brake experience. I've installed the full Big Brake Kit from Stoptech on a '97 F355 Spider. Stoptech said it would take months to get yellow calipers so reds were ordered instead and then painted with VHT brake caliper paint. They were then baked and black "Ferrari" script applied. Brake system was installed and meticulously bled. Calipers were thoroughly washed down to remove any trace of brake fluid. Next day yellow paint was bubbling up! Seems the calipers are leaking at the thread-bleed screw interface. Cleaned the fluid again but more keeps seeping up.

    Anyone experience this before? I've not seen this happen with Brembos.

    I tried tightening the bleed screws a tad more but that didn't fix the problem.

    I've called Stoptech and they want me to send the calipers in for testing. A real pain in the arse to remove the all the calipers, wait a week, then reinstall and rebleed all over again. If I go through all this hassle I hope they'll just send back proper and FUNCTIONING yellow calipers. We'll see. Otherwise I've got calipers that leak, need R and R and refinishing as well. Ugh!

    Any help or suggestions here much appreciated.
    Edit/Delete Message
     
  2. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    28,563
    socal
    Made in China
     
  3. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
    4,424
    CT
    Full Name:
    Jay
    Are you sure it's not just residual fluid bubbling the paint? I just painted my OEM calipers; bleed screws were fine, but around the brake line hole the paint didn't adhere perfect - despite glass bead cleaning. No biggie for me since it's on the back of the caliper, but I'd be a bit surprised if all 4 calipers were leaking from the bleed screws. Especially if it's not under pressure (you said 'next day', as if it just sat overnight and started leaking).
     
  4. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
    BANNED

    Nov 7, 2003
    1,267
    Beverly Hills
    No residue. I took a white cloth and tested to make sure there was no residue after I cleaned up the first time. Went back this time and used a box of q-tips to clean out the full length of the bleed screws. Spent two hours cleaning every possible drop of fluid! Washed with soap. Shot brake cleaner down the screws. Rinsed. Repeated. Etc. Drove the F355 and with the biggest tires fit to a 355 and the big brakes she stops with gut wrenching force. HOWEVER, there's more fluid! Really irritating!

    A buddy of mine thought he was funny when he joked: How do you spell relief? BREMBO.
     
  5. Moku

    Moku Karting

    Dec 17, 2004
    107
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Full Name:
    Rob & Jody
    He wasn't trying to be funny. He was telling you the truth...
     
  6. ferrame

    ferrame Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2005
    1,196
    Orange, Calif
    I had purchased and installed Stoptech big brake kits(rotors & calipers)on all 4 corners of my 95 F355 and I'm very satisfied with the products. I have put almost 3,000 miles including 2 track events and I have had no problems at all and last of all I don't think that they are made in CHINA.
     
  7. TopElement

    TopElement Formula 3

    May 14, 2005
    1,540
    OC & Vegas
    Full Name:
    A Montoya
    Gotta love made in Taiwan! There's a reason top brake companies are at the top. :)
     

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