I am parting out a 300SD and thinking i would like to save the brake calipers for the day that I want to put them on the 240D.... but last time I pulled some rear calipers off they siezed up in a matter of weeks...

two questions, Is there any way to mothball a brake system so it does not rust when apart, (could I flush it with WD-40? except that is probably bad for the seals..)

is there any repair to a caliper that has gotten stuck.. and once it is stuck, is it worth saving or will even a rebuilder of brakes systems turn it down?

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

If the piston moves freely, I would maybe try to dump some WD-40 or some Liquid Wrench down inside. Or you could pop the pistons out and give everything a heavy dose of the above liquids and put it in a zip lock bag.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Don't use ANY petroleum lubricant. That includes both WD-40 and Liquid Wrench. You will ruin the seals.

Ensure that the dust shields are in place, fill it with clean brake fluid and plug the hole.

Probably a good idea, but I have a bunch that I just threw in a drawer and they seem to be fine whenever I need one.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

A caliper generally survives without internal rust in the worst possible environment..........under the vehicle and attached to the spindle. If your seals are good, and you store it in a dry environment..........it will last longer than if it was in service. You can spray the outside of the caliper to prevent surface rust if you wish.

If the piston is stuck, you'll need to force it out with the vehicle hydraulic system. Whether it's rebuildable or not will be determined by the condition of the piston(s). The rebuilder will never turn it down unless you fracture the caliper...........they don't even look in the box in most cases.

Ok, So it sounds like I can pull them off, and if they are any good, they will be ready for service next summer.. with out any heroics on my part.. That is good news.. and I am glad I asked, as I was going to try to put some kind of preservitve in the system... now I wont do it..

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver