Moving front brake calipers to the rear - Series 1, 4.2 OTS

Talk about the E-Type Series 1

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gmunro
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:34 pm
Location: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Great Britain

#1 Moving front brake calipers to the rear - Series 1, 4.2 OTS

Post by gmunro » Tue Apr 16, 2019 8:42 pm

Hi Gents and Ladies,

I am having problems with the rear calipers on my Series 1, 4.2 OTS. As I am replacing my front calipers, I now have a pair of spare calipers which had some time earlier been upgraded to larger pots and thicker discs. I have read on here that it is possible to move the front calipers to the rear but then what on earth do you do about the handbrake mechanism ?

I would be very grateful to hear from members how this problem is overcome.

Many thanks - Yours aye,

George
1967 Series 1 OTS

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abowie
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#2 Re: Moving front brake calipers to the rear - Series 1, 4.2 OTS

Post by abowie » Wed Apr 17, 2019 12:58 am

I was not aware that it was possible to modify original front calipers to take larger pistons or wider discs. It may be that what you have at the front currently is not actually original but one of a number of upgrades. A photo of what you have would make that clearer.

If you have original S1 front calipers with the bolt on wheel cylinders, you can put the cylinders from the front onto the rear but I doubt you can mount the caliper body itself there.

Be aware that if you put the larger 2 1/8" wheel cylinders on the rear you will change the brake bias of the car more toward the rear and this might have unpleasant consequences.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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david.coan
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#3 Re: Moving front brake calipers to the rear - Series 1, 4.2 OTS

Post by david.coan » Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:06 am

My understanding too, is that the front pistons removed from the calipers can be moved to the back on a series 1 to replace the rear pistons only, leaving the rest of the rear brake assembly unchanged. Its on my future to do list.
David
1968 S1.5 OTS, ex USA converted to RHD

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Topic author
gmunro
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:34 pm
Location: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Great Britain

#4 Re: Moving front brake calipers to the rear - Series 1, 4.2 OTS

Post by gmunro » Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:05 am

Hi Gents and thanks for your replies. First of all, yes, the fronts were an upgrade and do not have removable pistons. Having read your answers, I now realiIse that the change from front to back is in relation to the pistons only and not the entire caliper unit! I should have been able to work that one out myself but it was late at night - well, that's my excuse !!

Your responses are, as always, very much appreciated. :drinkingcheers:

Yours aye,

George
1967 Series 1 OTS

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