Any issues with running the stock calipers without dust seals?

[NYG]

Hope the off-season is treating you guys well... at least the North Easterners and the Cold Climate Europeans.

So, I still didn't bite for a bbk because I'm dumb but I'm I can remove my dust seals and leave them off. I know debris and all becomes an issue but I plan on cleaning them out often. In terms of the calipers design/function would there be any issue running them without the seals?

[CanAutM3]

I've tracked all my ///Ms over the past 19 years on the stock brakes with only track pads (even used the stock fluid) without issue. They are good enough for my use, so nothing for not wanting a BBK.

Can't comment on the dust seals though, as I never tried running without them.

[OhioRiderAaron]

Dust seals or dust shields? Are you referring to the seals around the pistons?

[NYG]

Originally Posted by OhioRiderAaron

Dust seals or dust shields? Are you referring to the seals around the pistons?

The dust boots that cook. I'm tired of replacing them.

[richf80]

I just installed these recently but have no feedback yet. Maybe give these a try?


RB High Temperature (Blue) Dust Boots for BMW F80 M3/M4 Front 4-Piston Caliper

https://www.racingbrake.com/product-p/bb-43dbht.htm

[OhioRiderAaron]

Originally Posted by NYG

The dust boots that cook. I'm tired of replacing them.

No I would not run without the them. What intervals are you replacing the boots, and are you only replacing the fronts when doing so? I would suggest at least trying the HT ones posted above as an intermediate step before jumping to a purpose-built caliper typically found in BBK's.

I ran my calipers with dried/cracked boots for over a season and ended up with pretty severe sticking on the front calipers. When i disassembled them there was significant dirt/brake dust buildup and minor scoring on the pistons themselves. The rebuild (boots and seals) was successful, but looking back I wish I would have done it sooner (before the cracks developed into visible holes) as there's really no protection on the pistons after those boots fail.

[NYG]

Originally Posted by OhioRiderAaron

No I would not run without the them. What intervals are you replacing the boots, and are you only replacing the fronts when doing so? I would suggest at least trying the HT ones posted above as an intermediate step before jumping to a purpose-built caliper typically found in BBK's.

I ran my calipers with dried/cracked boots for over a season and ended up with pretty severe sticking on the front calipers. When i disassembled them there was significant dirt/brake dust buildup and minor scoring on the pistons themselves. The rebuild (boots and seals) was successful, but looking back I wish I would have done it sooner (before the cracks developed into visible holes) as there's really no protection on the pistons after those boots fail.

I'm trying to limit the amount of money I pump into this car as I'm desperately waiting to replace it with a Porsche.

[OhioRiderAaron]

Originally Posted by NYG

I'm trying to limit the amount of money I pump into this car as I'm desperately waiting to replace it with a Porsche.

There's something funny about that statement. Limit money and Porsche in the same sentence.

Btw, I bought the dust boots from rockauto, can't remember if they were cheaper or not, but they worked just fine.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by NYG

I'm trying to limit the amount of money I pump into this car as I'm desperately waiting to replace it with a Porsche.

Bro... just wait until you get your first major service + tires + brakes bill.

It’s going to make you want to get a spec car of some sort for your track day needs.

[MyFragileHalogen]

I didn't care about the torn dust boot but this thread makes me nervous.

Originally Posted by NYG

I'm trying to limit the amount of money I pump into this car as I'm desperately waiting to replace it with a Porsche.

Don't bother with no fancy BBK nor Coilovers- already you're saving good $20k!

I am still debating whether to drop money for MCS as I realize part alone is like $7k (is that right?). It's a lot of money to gain few sec that nobody cares lol. Instead it might be better to use that money for getting myself some nice cheap V8 like '01 SVT Cobra for V8 experience (never owned a V8) in grocery getting...

[NYG]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Bro... just wait until you get your first major service + tires + brakes bill.

It’s going to make you want to get a spec car of some sort for your track day needs.

Looking forward to it.

Putting a downpayment on a GT3RS tomorrow if all checks out.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by NYG

Looking forward to it.

Putting a downpayment on a GT3RS tomorrow if all checks out.

Nice car! enjoy in good health.

Hope you don't end up like my friend who never took his RS out, due to wanting to keep miles low for resale, and that you drive the heck out of it

[NYG]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Nice car! enjoy in good health.

Hope you don't end up like my friend who never took his RS out, due to wanting to keep miles low for resale, and that you drive the heck out of it

Thank you man. It's going to be my daily lmao...

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by NYG

Looking forward to it.

Putting a downpayment on a GT3RS tomorrow if all checks out.

Ugh... I hope it's a 991 gen so it's fast

[robbo mcs]

Originally Posted by richf80

I just installed these recently but have no feedback yet. Maybe give these a try?


RB High Temperature (Blue) Dust Boots for BMW F80 M3/M4 Front 4-Piston Caliper

https://www.racingbrake.com/product-p/bb-43dbht.htm

I have run those on another race car (mini GP). They certainly last better than the stock seals. You just have to be careful not to get brake fluid on them

[adc]

Originally Posted by richf80

I just installed these recently but have no feedback yet. Maybe give these a try?


RB High Temperature (Blue) Dust Boots for BMW F80 M3/M4 Front 4-Piston Caliper

https://www.racingbrake.com/product-p/bb-43dbht.htm

Wanted to ask, since I’m about to order these. Can you do it with the calipers in place? What is the minimum work procedure to replace them?

[richf80]

Originally Posted by adc

Wanted to ask, since I’m about to order these. Can you do it with the calipers in place? What is the minimum work procedure to replace them?

Yes you can, though it may be harder. It's easier to remove the caliper from the knuckle and set it on top of the rotor upside down. You don't have to disconnect the brake line. You will need some sort of pick tool or small flat head to pop the old one out. Just press the new one in with your hands and make sure it is seated all the way down.

FYI I have been to a few track and autocross days and they still look new

[MyFragileHalogen]

Originally Posted by richf80

Yes you can, though it may be harder. It's easier to remove the caliper from the knuckle and set it on top of the rotor upside down. You don't have to disconnect the brake line. You will need some sort of pick tool or small flat head to pop the old one out. Just press the new one in with your hands and make sure it is seated all the way down.

FYI I have been to a few track and autocross days and they still look new

That's good to know! I thought I would need to rebuild the caliper to replace them and I've been reluctant to try and learn it.

On a positive note mine is working fine without ever replacing the torn boots and so far i haven't heard any F8x people having serious issues from not replacing them...