1957 Corvette RestoMod
Chapter 7: How To Rebuild the C4 Corvette Rear Hubs & Brakes
Chapter 7: How To Rebuild the C4 Corvette Rear Hubs & Brakes
| "How To" for the Beginner! |
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| About Chapter 7 In this chapter, the brake and hub assembly we took off the rear suspension in Chapter 6 is completely rebuilt. From disassembly of the components, to cleaning, to rebuilding with all new replacement parts, this chapter's 34 Steps provide you with a clear roadmap. There are 89 detailed photos with illustrative pointers to show you how to rebuild C4 brakes and hubs. |
| Chapter 7 starts by listing the tools you need, both required and optional. The optional tools make the jobs easier, but for budget's sake, I do not put them in the required category. The workspace is then defined for a safe and easy job. How much space and how to best utilize the space is explained for you. |
| Whether your donor car is still on the road, or been sitting for a few years, you will definitely want to inspect and rebuild your brakes and hubs. All beginners have to start somewhere, and my book speaks directly to the novice hot-rodder of Corvettes. |
| Hub and brake components are then identified with numerous photos. I show you how to check the hub for excessive runout - never a good thing. Then disassembly of the hub, steering knuckle, and brake assembly is described. After all parts are blown apart, I briefly show how to restore them to like new condition. The second part of the chapter deals with rebuilding the brake calipers. These hydraulic parts are pivotal to a reliable braking system. |
| First, all components of the brakes are identified for you by photos and pointers. Next, the assembly is taken apart with specific attention paid to the sequence and each tool used. Once disassembled, I give some options on the best ways to restore the re-usable parts back to nearly new condition. All along the way, I help you understand what to look for if any of the pieces are damaged or worn too much for future use. |
| Next, I show you the replacement parts I used to rebuild the entire brake and caliper assembly. I used a caliper repair kit from AutoZone, which is made by the same maker of the Corvette brakes, PBR Australia - so the fit was perfect. Brake pads were by Raybestos and were picked up online at Rock Auto. The calipers were treated to a new paint covering by using the G2 System from Eastwood. This high-temp paint is guaranteed to not flake or burn, and it's application was very easy. Finally, I sprung for performance brake hoses made by Russell (an Edelbrock company) which I bought online from Summit Racing. Also from Summit, I replaced the old rotors with new slotted and drilled ones - look good don't they? |
