use new copper gaskets?

[Sniper82]

I just put a brake caliper on a 2000 Grand Am, it came with two new gaskets and other hardware. I ended up using the old hardware/gaskets before I notice the hardware bag. There are no leaks or anything but I am debating if I should take it back off and use new mounting hardware(namely the gaskets).

What do you all think?

 

[boomerang]

If it's not leaking, leave it be. After driving a short while and making a few stops you might want to take a quick look to make sure there's no seepage.

 

[NutBucket]

I would have used the new washers but if it doesn't leak I wouldn't worry about it. Certainly not worth taking it apart again IMHO.

 

[thecritic]

Always use the new copper gaskets. The copper gaskets aren't just your typical gaskets, they are "crush" washers. They crush once, seal, and that's it.

 

[Lizardman]

Originally posted by: thecritic
Always use the new copper gaskets. The copper gaskets aren't just your typical gaskets, they are "crush" washers. They crush once, seal, and that's it.

or twice in his case. In my experience they can be used sometimes more than once. Depends..

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: Lizardman

Originally posted by: thecritic
Always use the new copper gaskets. The copper gaskets aren't just your typical gaskets, they are "crush" washers. They crush once, seal, and that's it.

or twice in his case. In my experience they can be used sometimes more than once. Depends..

As have I. I've replaced brake hoses and the auto parts people looked at me like I was speaking French when I asked for new copper washers. They're more readily available these days. I know it's preferrable to replace them, but in a pinch, what are you going to do?

 

[Tiamat]

I do research in ultra high vacuum and we use copper gaskets. Once you remove them, you cannot use them again (is the rule for UHV). It may be different in real world, but generally the seal is compromised when you remove the copper from the knives of the flange.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: Lizardman

Originally posted by: thecritic
Always use the new copper gaskets. The copper gaskets aren't just your typical gaskets, they are "crush" washers. They crush once, seal, and that's it.

or twice in his case. In my experience they can be used sometimes more than once. Depends..

I've reused Honda drain plug crush washers. But for something as critical as brakes, I wouldn't risk it.

 

[marvdmartian]

Just replaced my calipers and hoses, and both came with new washers.

 

[Sniper82]

But is it worth taking the caliper back off, having to rebleed, ect if they ain't leaking? I might consider doing it this weekend when I have more time.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: Sniper82
But is it worth taking the caliper back off, having to rebleed, ect if they ain't leaking? I might consider doing it this weekend when I have more time.

No it's not. The fact that it is not leaking is of key importance here.

It's not leaking, so leave it alone, it will be fine. Sleep worry free.

As oftentimes happens here, people get caught up in the minutia of a task. It's fine.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I've found that if it doesn't leak, don't mess with it. You can't make it better than working. But next time, swap them.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: Sniper82
But is it worth taking the caliper back off, having to rebleed, ect if they ain't leaking? I might consider doing it this weekend when I have more time.

No it's not. The fact that it is not leaking is of key importance here.

It's not leaking, so leave it alone, it will be fine. Sleep worry free.

As oftentimes happens here, people get caught up in the minutia of a task. It's fine.

QFT, next thing you may be posting is how to fix a stripped caliper .

No leak, no worries.

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: Sniper82
But is it worth taking the caliper back off, having to rebleed, ect if they ain't leaking? I might consider doing it this weekend when I have more time.

No it's not. The fact that it is not leaking is of key importance here.

It's not leaking, so leave it alone, it will be fine. Sleep worry free.

As oftentimes happens here, people get caught up in the minutia of a task. It's fine.

QFT, next thing you may be posting is how to fix a stripped caliper .

No leak, no worries.

or.. "wrecked my car doing 80, brakes failed"

 

[Mxylplyx]

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: boomerang

Originally posted by: Sniper82
But is it worth taking the caliper back off, having to rebleed, ect if they ain't leaking? I might consider doing it this weekend when I have more time.

No it's not. The fact that it is not leaking is of key importance here.

It's not leaking, so leave it alone, it will be fine. Sleep worry free.

As oftentimes happens here, people get caught up in the minutia of a task. It's fine.

QFT, next thing you may be posting is how to fix a stripped caliper .

No leak, no worries.

or.. "wrecked my car doing 80, brakes failed"

A small leak in that gasket will hardly lead to a brake failure.