Repeat brake trouble

Mitsubishi Delica L400 production commenced in 1994 -- After much anticipation, the L400 arrived on Canadian Soil in 2009!
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johnghaley
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Repeat brake trouble

Post by johnghaley »

Hello all,
Has anyone had any problems with the brake callipers on there series two Delicas?
I have had to replace the right front and left rear callipers twice in less then a year. The first time had the work done for me at CCA so I fee the work was done properly. This time I will do the work my self due to my schedule and I will bleed the entire system.
What I have found was sings of water in the system. There was rust on the inside of the front calliper and the pistons had so much rust behind the outer rubber seal that there was was scaling on the piston. The rear calliper was not as bad as the front.
I thought it may be water entering the system through a bad seal on the reservoir cap allowing moisture in the system.
Any thoughts?
John H.
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Growlerbearnz
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Repeat brake trouble

Post by Growlerbearnz »

I've seen something similar on a couple of other vehicles (but not yet an L400). I can't confirm the cause, but on teardown at least one of the dust boots was torn or incorrectly installed, and the dust boots had been assembled without brake grease on the inside. Presumably moisture was getting into the fluid at the calliper and migrating through the system.

The cure was to disassemble all the callipers, clean, and reassemble with brake grease on all the rubber components, being especially generous behind the dust boots and around the pistons. And of course a damned good brake fluid flush.

How's the rubber bonnet seal above the brake fluid reservoir? Could water be pouring onto the filler cap when it rains?
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
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johnghaley
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 10:10 am
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1997 Space Gear
Location: Port Alberni
Location: B.C.

Repeat brake trouble

Post by johnghaley »

There does not appear to be any water up near the master cylinder. I am now starting to suspect that the seal on the master cylinder may be part of the problem. If the seal is inadequate or is improperly vented, moisture air may be allowed into the system. I will be watching this.
John H
lealex
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Repeat brake trouble

Post by lealex »

Ive had the same issues. replaced 2 pairs of calipers all round in 9 months. not great. answer i get is the aftermarket calipers are really poor quality with not much options.
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johnghaley
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 10:10 am
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1997 Space Gear
Location: Port Alberni
Location: B.C.

Repeat brake trouble

Post by johnghaley »

After a couple of years now I have noticed the same problem, The callipers seize and I find water behind the boot. I was also told it was due to poor caliber rebuild quality. As frustrating as it is I suck it up and now consider new callipers annually as an operating expense.
John
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