85 ElDorado

[dougseldo85]

Hello, another newby here from east tennessee.I have an 85 ElDo with the apparently typical rear brakes problems. The car has 150k,Im happy with it,
yet the rear park brake is giving me a fit.After reading a thread from a 4x4 site about using eldo rear calipers(maybe on a rockcrawling 4x4)it was mentioned that one should always set the park brake or one would have a spongy brake pedal.My pedal isnt so spongy,just has too much pedal travel.
In a panic stop I will certainly be panicking!
After removing the left rear wheel I could see the pbrake cables hanging down.They did not retract upon release.The pads were not even touching the rotors.My question then, are the calipers bad?Would a caliper kit be a
decent repair or the 96$ each replacement calipers be the best? Any parts stores will have to order the calipers(2-3 days).I have a chiltons manual
for my car,no FSM for info on adjusting the rears.How critical is this adjustment?I certainly appreciate any/all lessons.Thanks again.Doug

[Benzilla]

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I noticed you're in east Tennessee. What part? Are you originally from here?

[dougseldo85]

Hello,Benzilla.Im in Rockwood,of Roane county.About 10mi west of Kingston,
25 mi east of Crossville.Ever heard of Glenn Hills Auto Parts? Im 2 mi from there.

[dougseldo85]

Oh, yeah I was born and raised here,also.

[peteski]

Welcome Doug!

Those calipers are a major pain in the rear end!

They use screw-in pistons. You might find these threads helpful:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...conundrum.html ('85 Eldo Brake Conundrum)
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...e-pistons.html (Engr Question Screw In Brake Pistons)

Best way to deal with this is get a set of preloaded calipers from a reputable parts store and replace yours.
Peteski

[dougseldo85]

Thanks yall for the info.Loaded calipers @Oreillys are 96$ ea!If I replace the
calipers, a bleed is all thats necessary or do they have to be adjusted?
I appreciate all the help. Doug

[carnut]

When you get the new calipers, you will transfer the park brake levers over to the new calipers. Make sure the lever rests against the cast in stop on the caliper. With the rotor secured with one lug nut, push the lever forward by hand and after about an inch of travel the rotor should be locked between the two pads, then release it. Then bring the park brake cables to the levers and install. Adjust the cables so that the arm JUST starts to barely move off the stop cast on the caliper. That way the caliper piston will rotate correctly each time the park brake is set. The rotating piston takes up clearance caused by pad wear. Failure to use the park brake will eventually cause the piston to seize in the caliper bore and no longer rotate. The test after you are done is to start the car, hold down the park brake pedal with your left foot, put the car in gear with your right foot on the brake pedal. The car should sink a little and stay put once you release the brake pedal! If it creeps forward, then the rear brakes need further adjustment by ratcheting the lever on the caliper with a large screw driver or pry bar. The rear inner pad has a raised bump that fits over a recess on the piston locking them together.

[dougseldo85]

Thanks,Carnut,I appreciate the info.The weather is decent today so I might be able to get something done.Again,thanks.Doug

[peteski]

My preloaded calipers were complete. Nothing to transfer (even the springs were included). You adjust the parking brake just like Carnut said.