DayOff 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 I was looking at the rear calipers tonight and trying to figure out how to approach rebuilding these things.... In the Lotus service manual, it says something to the effect of 'dont try to disassemble the caliper handbrake assembly - if faulty, replace'. That's no fun... plus I'm sure I'll get a few laughs calling around for this one...so back to the question: rebuild/leave alone... Has anyone attempted rebuilding one of these, or disassembly/cleanup? I see there's a seal right under the lever...but without some details or photos on how it's assembled, I'm not sure i want to make this thing completely unusable by trying to proactively rebuild the things... What have you restorers out there been doing with the rear brakes? I was going to get the calipers bodies ceramic coated, but I'm not sure the coating shop is going to want to work with this assembled thing with rubber seals in it! Pete Quote Swore there would be no more Lotus Restorations again - But I bought it anyway - As Bond would say, 'Never Say Never'...others say "Some never learn" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USAndretti42 216 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 2, 2011 I know the bottom of the caliper is held on by 3 screws and seals with o-ring cord shaped to fit a groove. I had to take them off my calipers to release the pistons when I was getting my S2 roadworthy. Didn't even have to replace the o-rings and never had a problem after they were reassembled. Quote S4 Elan, Elan +2S, Federal-spec, World Championship Edition S2 Esprit #42, S1 Elise, Excel SE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Clicky; http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/index.php/blog/15/entry-27-calipers/ Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buddsy 1,438 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 2, 2011 I done mine ok but they are the post 1985 ones? Buddsy Quote "Belief is the enemy of knowing" - Crrow777 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peteyg 229 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 2, 2011 They're pretty simple for the main part. Replacing seals is easy. The main issue is if the selfadjusting handbrake ratchet system is damaged. The plines on the piston can wear then it becomes a replacement job. I have a bunch of photos form my rebuild if you need anything. Pete Quote Pete '79 S2 LEW Miss September 2009 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DayOff 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Do you have pictures of the handbrake ratchet system during disassembly? Not sure how that's supposed to come apart, but there's at least one seal under the ratcheting arm that I'd like to replace.... Pete Quote Swore there would be no more Lotus Restorations again - But I bought it anyway - As Bond would say, 'Never Say Never'...others say "Some never learn" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peteyg 229 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Hi Pete, I don't as that never came apart. I replaced all the seals that came in the 'seal kit'. I couldn't see how the ratchet came apart and as it was working I didn't feel the need to dismantle anything beyond the photo. Hope it's of some use, sorry if it's not. Pete Quote Pete '79 S2 LEW Miss September 2009 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DayOff 0 Report post Posted June 3, 2011 Thanks anyways, yeah - I'm just curious about that handbrake piece... there's a seal under the lever...so i'm sort of wondering what 27 years (and 10 years of sitting doing nothing) has done to that seal...and whatever else is inside...I don't think the seal is in the kit either...but your photo makes it look like it's a piston that fits into that handbrake housing piece...mine doesn't stick out that far, so maybe that pulls right out....? Pete Quote Swore there would be no more Lotus Restorations again - But I bought it anyway - As Bond would say, 'Never Say Never'...others say "Some never learn" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DayOff 0 Report post Posted June 3, 2011 ugh, nevermind...went out to the garage and noticed I was mistaken... that second half doesn't look different on mine...doesn't look fun to disassemble Pete Quote Swore there would be no more Lotus Restorations again - But I bought it anyway - As Bond would say, 'Never Say Never'...others say "Some never learn" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mstours1 0 Report post Posted November 21, 2011 The e brake Assembly can be pulled apart but getting replacement seals is the part that is hard . I,m looking for them now! Compress the spring in a vice using a large socket( 30mm i think) this enables you to remove the large circlip! Release the vice and it will come apart. Then remove a small bean shaped metal rod , then draw out the e brake lever. Let me know if you find a comprehensive rebuild kit for the whole caliper , I need several! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertcosta 4 Report post Posted November 23, 2011 Mark, I forgot to mention at the CLA picnic about this thread. Fiat Croma..... Rob Quote Robert Costa 1984 Turbo Esprit Very Black!2004 Lotus Elise Quite Green! gone :-( 1977 S1 Esprit, in bits 1998 Lotus Elise S1, Azure Blue Sydney, Australia “The parts falling from this car are examples of the finest British craftsmanship” Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: Check the position of the stars,kill a chicken and walk three times clockwise around your car chanting:" Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant.." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bgalbraith 3 Report post Posted January 3 Just to throw this information out there, I've rebuild a couple rear calipers where the handbrake mechanism was frozen. I soaked that part in homemade penetrating fluid, a 50/50 ,ix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid. Let it soak for a few days as required, taking it out and exercising a couple times a day if possible. It has worked great for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
