The on my 81 shovelhead PM brakes are leaking.
making a greasy mess all over front and rear calipers.
I've had these brakes since at least 1995.
About 8 months ago I removed them, cleaned pistons and thoughtbInwas ok.
​​them.
There was a little pitting on a oouple of the pistons.
Would you just replace the seals or go totally new?
I'm thinking new calipers but maybe not necessary.
Your thoughts!

 

If the piston rides on the seals you are in trouble unless the kits come with new pistons ... Good Luck

 

I've rebuilt many PM calipers, zero issues. I highly recommend getting your seal kits directly from PM, the few aftermarket ones were junk.

 

Tx!
I'll look into that!

 

Does it matter that there is a little pitting on a couple of the pistons?
I polished the sides so they are nice and smooth now.

 

If the pistons have pits they can allow fluid to bypass ... They deserve close inspection

 

Ya know......for the money, time and energy Ill spend rebuilding the old ones it might be more prudent to spend the $ on a new pair of calipers.
If I remember, they are sround $360 each or thereabouts.
We'll see.

 

Yes, it matters, leaks as well as damaging the seals. PM also sells replacement ones for around $25.

 

chopper_man is wise. I'd get the pistons without hesitation.

I resealed many a caliper wrenching multiple brands but if the piston is pitted I replace it or the caliper. It would be interesting to see if PM uses seals (and pistons) matching an existing HD caliper
as tooling up to produce oddball seals would be a pointless waste of money.