By Andrew Markel,
ASE Certified Technician
Editor, Brake & Front End Magazine
When
you are taking back a brake caliper core or a customer is returning a
brake caliper, there are some things to look for so you won’t get stuck
holding a non-returnable core.
1. Look at the catalog: Not
looking in the supplier’s catalog is the number one mistake counter
professionals make when taking back a questionable core or return. Make
sure that what is in the box matches what is in the catalog. Many
electronic catalogs include digital pictures to verify the correct
core.
2. The paperwork is just as important as the core:
According to one remanufacturer, the number one reason for delayed core
credit is the paperwork is not filled out correctly. Common errors
range from forms that are not fully filled out to paperwork that does
not reflect the cores being returned.
3. Know the
remanufacturer’s return policy: Knowing the remanufacturer’s return
policy can save you headaches and lost money on core charges. Most
remanufacturers will not deny a core return flat out. Instead, they
have list of defects and how a specific defect will affect the core’s
value. Defects like a broken bleeder screw or a missing piston will cut
your core credit in half while other defects like cracks or extreme
bore scoring will cause a complete loss of the core credit.
Making
sure you know the manufacturer’s core return criteria ahead of time
will let you adjust the customer’s core credit at the time of the
return, instead of getting a surprise when you return the core to the
remanufacturer.
4. Make sure everything is in the box: If
the manufacturer included new caliper brackets, make sure the core’s
bracket is in the box. Many technicians will separate the floating
caliper section from the bracket thinking the remanufactured unit it
will not include the piece. When it is time to box up the core, the
bracket is often left on the bench. Make sure your delivery drivers
know to check for the bracket when they pick up the core. Rear brake
calipers should also include any emergency brake hardware that was
replaced with the new caliper.
5. Check the ports and
bleeders: If a shop is returning a new or remanufactured caliper, take
a look at the inlet port and bleeder. Some technicians will
cross-thread or damage the threads for the brake line connection.
Instead of restoring the threads with the proper tools, they will
return the caliper to your store leaving the next guy to deal with the
problem. Some remanufacturers include new banjo bolts to prevent the
problem happening in the first place.
6. Pay close attention
to aluminum caliper cores: Make sure to check your remanufacturer’s
core policies on aluminum calipers. Aluminum calipers, like on the
Chevrolet Malibu, can have corrosion around the inlet port where the
banjo fitting makes contact. The two dissimilar metals create galvanic
corrosion that can lead to pitting of the surfaces and eventually a
leak. Most remanufacturers will not give you credit for an aluminum
brake caliper core if it is severely pitted.
Since aluminum is a
soft material, look for damaged threads in the inlet port if a shop is
returning an aluminum caliper they say they did not need.