LSS Front Caliper Retrofit
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 7:50 am
Since the slides on the front of my LSS are starting to stick and the front rotors are nearly done (due to a pad-slap by the P.O.), I've been looking into replacement parts combos for the front and I was very disappointed by the lack of pad options available locally (I try to buy brake/warranty parts local to 1) save on shipping, and 2) be able to make good use of the warranty ) and the only things available are the cheap, semi-metallics or Wagners.
Akebono has been disco'd, Bendix, Centric and the like are also not making the "563" pad design anymore. Too old and not enough vehicles using them (only the LSS or 15" Legos/Imprezas up to 5/96)
So, doing some digging, the "721" pad design from the 6/96-on dual piston calipers have WAY more options, but require a bracket swap due to the pad redesign (and actually better swept area). However, since the newer dual piston is also a dual slide pin (unlike the LSS, which has 1 slide, 1 anchor), the caliper has to match the bracket. But the hose only moves about 1/2" on the back of the caliper and the rotor diameter is the same (same rotor actually), and has the same piston bore (hence requiring the same fluid flow; no new MC or change in ABS/prop valve required), it should be a drop-on swap. I measured the CL of the bracket bolts @ 6-1/16". I'm waiting on an LSS bracket to come in tomorrow to measure to confirm the same spacing (it's too damn cold to be crawling around outside).
Anyone else tried this? If it pans out, that means better pad selection and these calipers are normally stocked (remans) or are more readily available in JY (Legacies, Foresters and Imprezas used these guys as well).
Akebono has been disco'd, Bendix, Centric and the like are also not making the "563" pad design anymore. Too old and not enough vehicles using them (only the LSS or 15" Legos/Imprezas up to 5/96)
So, doing some digging, the "721" pad design from the 6/96-on dual piston calipers have WAY more options, but require a bracket swap due to the pad redesign (and actually better swept area). However, since the newer dual piston is also a dual slide pin (unlike the LSS, which has 1 slide, 1 anchor), the caliper has to match the bracket. But the hose only moves about 1/2" on the back of the caliper and the rotor diameter is the same (same rotor actually), and has the same piston bore (hence requiring the same fluid flow; no new MC or change in ABS/prop valve required), it should be a drop-on swap. I measured the CL of the bracket bolts @ 6-1/16". I'm waiting on an LSS bracket to come in tomorrow to measure to confirm the same spacing (it's too damn cold to be crawling around outside).
Anyone else tried this? If it pans out, that means better pad selection and these calipers are normally stocked (remans) or are more readily available in JY (Legacies, Foresters and Imprezas used these guys as well).