brake questions

[VW1300]

I have a few questions on brake maintenance:

1. With what do I measure rotor thickness? I have a digital vernier calipers, but that only measures the outside of the rotor, where there seems to be a slight "lip".

2. How hard is it to rebuild a caliper? Whilst changing my front pads, I looked down inside and the seal looked like crap. Is there a good tutorial somewhere on this subject?

Thanks to all who advised on the purchase of a power bleeder. It rocks! I was able to do 3 of 4 very quickly, the front right bleed valve had seized on and I didn't have any propane fuel to heat it up. I will have to come back to that one.

[rrgrassi]

You can get the ATE type calipers already rebuilt from O'reilly for $48.99 plus core. Bendix was one or two dollars more.

Calipers are not bad to rebuilt, but cost of the kit plus your time should be factored in. I've seen rebuld kit pricing go from $17 to $38. That price did not include pistons if they are needed.

[sokoloff]

You can also get a couple of small magnets, attach them to the rotor and then measure that width and subtract the thickness of the magnets.

[toomany MBZ]

I use an outside micrometer. It is a "c" clamp looking measuring device. Sears has 'em. I got mine at the local hardware store, the last one they had made in America.

[VW1300]

Thanks for all the tips. I checked with my O'Reilly and sure enough the rebuilt calipers are 50 bucks. Considering a rebuild kit is around 20, I think I will just replace the whole thing. I'll start with the back since it's easier and I haven't done those pads yet.