Options?

[ej22tVermont]

So I've tried reading the compiled brake info, but get confused when trying to figure what might work for me. I am looking to replace my old calipers/brackets setup for something more reliable. I drive a 94 turbo. I hate old Subaru brakes. Here in Vermont with in climate weather and bad roads they give up and freeze so easily. I need a solution to this problem that will not cost me an arm and a leg, but will indeed fix the problem while upgrading to some thing better. Rather than spending the life savings at the dealer every time a caliper freezes. And Nobody around here even has one of these cars.
So basically what setup will fit for me, and will I have to change the wheels?? I have a couple of days to resolve this before I have to make my descision since this is my daily driver.

[gijonas]

You shouldnt really be having a freezing problem.If so it is due to having old calipers that need to be taken off and loosened up or replaced.There is nothing functionally different about "old subaru brakes" as compared to new brakes,calipers are calipers for the most part.

Oh and the brakes on our cars work really well if in good condition,you really dont need any STI!!! stuff.

[evolutionmovement]

Standard brakes should work great. The next OEM step up will require 16" wheels and that would be your cheapest way to go if you don't rebuild or replace the stock calipers. I may have a set of OEM turbo calipers hanging around. If you're interested I could try looking for them.

[ej22tVermont]

Alright I've decided to try one more Replacement caliper, I found one but can't get it for a few days. Hopefully it holds up. They just never last on my Legacy L, I don't know why. Oh well, that car is headed for the Junkyard after one more beating through the coming winter.

[fishbone79]

Are the pistons freezing on you repeatedly? If they are, you need to flush your brake system and replace the fluid - yours may have absorbed allot of water and that's what is causing your calipers to freeze (internal corrosion, etc). Water absorption happens over time even in a system that remains ~sealed.

If it's the slides (do you have uneven break wear?), I've had great luck here in the NE using the CRC graphite caliper grease. That stuff is a bit like never-seize, but holds up incredibly well to the elements. Hit your slides with some 600 grit sand paper and light oil if they are a bit tarnished replace the boots and pack them full of that stuff.

I've rebuilt several sets of calipers with good results, as long as the inside of the cylinder and piston are in good shape, they are generally serviceable.

[evolutionmovement]

Yeah, that's an odd one—I've never had an issue with the brakes besides pulsing rotors, which cryo-treating fixes.