Rear Caliper-damage-help!

[nico506]

Following installation of a rear caliper to the mountings, I inadvertantly tightened the mounting nut and broke the body of the caliper where the holdin threads are formed,
Can this be repaired using welding techniques?-I don't want to buy a new caliper as the ones I have been restored and are in good condition.

Any suggestions or advise as to the options available other than buy new ones(not an option!) :angry:

[gjz30075]

Nico,
I just can't imagine that happening with just tightening the caliper mounting. The caliper could have been damaged before the resto and the mounting ear was cracked. It's cast iron so an iron welder needs to be found.

[Elanman99]

Nico

I too am doubtful whether tightening the caliper to the strut casting could cause the damage you describe, I would have thought that the aluminium housing would break first.

I suggest thet the best option is to find a secondhand caliper body only and transfer the handbrake mechanism etc from yours. Even if you could find anyone to weld your caliper it would need restoring again, and would you want to trust your life to a weld on cast iron?

Ian Phillips

[bvt]

Welding Cast Iron isn't rocket science these days...
Just find a specialist welder
As for trusting welding.. welll we do every day we drive a car!

[Arno Church]

I think it is cast steel and not cast iron- subtle difference- welding cast steel should not be a problem if done by an expert welder with the proper equipment
Welding with a DIY air cooled arc welder is not recommended
Arno

[elanman3]

Nico,

I'm an ex-welder and I'll be honest, I wouldn't trust any cast iron welding job if it's been done by the electric arc method. The only cast weld that I would trust with my life is one that has been done with gas welding equipment. Even then it is an art and has to be done by someone who really knows what he is doing. A company that I used to work for did it, but we used to get a 70 year old man to do it for us. He grow up before the days of electric welding when everything was welded with gas and most things were made of cast. Believe me, he was a true artist to watch work.
Anyway I also have a problem with a rear +2 caliper which I don't think can be repaired. So, if your looking for a driver side rear maybe we can do a deal whereby we buy a set between us and you get the driver side and I get the passenger side. I know that most people are reluctant to split a set so it could work out for both of us.

ColinT