Objectively I'm somewhat overdue for brake fluid replacement and bleeding. But I'm less than confident that the bleed nipples will shift. Realistically it makes sense to do the flex-pipes too whilst I'm in there. Had the rear axle pipe done when I got the car but thats all the serious brake work its seen in the last 4 or 5 years.

So do I get a set of decent looking used callipers and overhaul them with new pistons and TRW seal kit or just push the boat out with a set of decent brand calipers. Island list TRW calipers at £100 and £60 + VAT for front and rear respectively whilst a pair of seal kits and OEM standard pistons come out around £60 + VAT. A set of adequate condition calipers to rebuild can probably be found for around £100. In round numbers by the time I've finished the job probably £500 with new TRW calipers, against £300 or bit less with home rebuild. Me being me I'll probably replace the mud shields whilst they can still be got so there goes another £100. Probably still solid enough to blast and paint tho'. I can blast and paint the carriers but at £20 (ish) a pop new is it worth it. Bolts, pins and screws were all new when I did the brake disks and pads over the last couple of years so they should be fine. Anything else I've forgotten given its year 2000 and approaching 100,000 miles.

So which way to go. £700 ish new-new just bolt it all on, £300 ish maximum DIY or somewhere in between? Generally I'm reasonably careful with money but skimping brakes is verboten. Especially as Madame Leadfoot is visiting for November & December so we may be sharing driving, (no way am I slumming it behind the wheel of her L322).

Anything else I've forgotten that should sensibly be done whilst the system is drained down?

Clive

Most people have said there’s brakes are increasingly better after a fluid change alone, i was thinking down the same lines as you.
But in nearly 40yrs of driving I’ve never had a calliper leak, I agree with new bleed nipples as it couldn’t hurt, but I’m undecided on rebuilding the calipers.

Know exactly where you are coming from Chris. Not had seal leaks either but I have had things tighten up seriously due to corrosion under the seals and seals swelling from old age. Albeit mostly motorcycle applications. But all the calipers I've re-sealed, usually for other folk, needed a good clean out in the seal grooves.

Really really can't be doing with seized or snapped bleed nipples mid job.

Clive