Lesson about Reconditioned Parts

Sorry No Pics on this one.

Just wanted to put this out there!

I have owned my Truck for nearly Five Years and in that time have replaced the front Brake Calipers a total of 4 Times on each Side (2 Per). What happens and this is the third year in a row is when it gets extremely cold -37 C or more (BTW -40 is where Far & Cel Temps meet) the Caliper seals around the Backelite Pistons leak out and makes a hell of a mess.

It is easy to tell as the fenderwell gets sprayed pretty good. Since this is the third winter in a row it has happened I am a bit paranoid about checking it. You can still drive but its better to fix it straight away.

So in the past I have bought the rebuilds at Napa as they come with everything you need including copper washers, brake shoe clips and caliper mounting bracket. So Luckely it comes with a 12 month Warranty, well I have used up those warrantys 3 times.

As i went through similar problems with 1/2 shafts (5 in 5 Years) and finally got Dealer replacements and haven't had any probs what so ever I decided to go with a brand new Caliper unit from the Dealer. Actually they are only about 20 Bucks more than a TRW rebuild.

You do not get any ancilleries (Including caliper mounting Baracket) but they are brand new and painted black. There is a $20 core fee as I was told that Dodge collects and sells them back to the rebuilders.

As most folks don't have to encounter such cold weather I just wanted to throw this out there that when it comes to certain Parts on the 3rd Gen there is no replacement other than New Dealer Parts especially when its cold out. If it don't break then, it will usually happen the day after it warms up again.

Thanks for reading my Long Post. Danny.

BTW I did it outside with just a hunting jacket and ball cap as it was only -5 out Today!

you are crazy for doing that in -5 degree weather! LOL

damn it must suck having the cold ruin parts like that.

I just got frostbite thinking about weather that cold. It's supposed to be 75 F here today.

I've had mixed luck with reconditioned parts too. The last time when I replaced my water pump with a recon'd part it blew up the next day. So I decided to go new after that. But in the past I've had recon'd parts work fine and last years.

Well I guess if you can get outside in that, I should go get my hood on in 10 degree weather

You'll need gloves and another set of hands for that Luke.

I was putting air in the wifes car and a lady and her husband where changing their tire right at the Air Pump. It was that cold that when she started to unscrew the valve cap on her rim the TPMS assembly broke off in her hand (Jeep Patriot).

That day there was a windchill that could cause frostbite in less than 10 Minutes.

Athread is worthless without Pics, So here is the required headwear.






Supposed to warm up to seasonal today! Currently 14 with an expected high of 23 F so I won't need to plug in my Block Heater and battery Blanket!

we got mid 30s with some misting. The hood going on I can lift by myself its the stock one coming off is the problem

Danny I love that helmet

Danny you are hardcore for sure.