When replacing my ball joints yesterday I noticed the rubber seals on the brakes are very worn and falling apart, so I'm thinking I'll have to get a rebuild kit for them.

Question is, how hard is it to do? The manual makes it look fairly easy, but how long should I expect to have the car off the road for?

I was thinking it should take less than a day?

Thanks guys, sounds like it's worth a go.

The car has been well maintained, so I'm hoping the fluid has been replaced regulary, meaning that with luck their should be no corosion inside the calipers.

I'm not surprised the seals are stuffed though, the car has 394000kms on it...

As Dennis pointed out, most shops won't do it. However, I've rebuilt both fronts on my 85 245. Some years ago, and as I recall it took the better part of a day (mixed in with other things). Since I had another car available, not a big deal there.

If the parts are corroded internally, be prepared to buy a reconditioned caliper.

What exactly do you mean by "rebuilding?"

if you get a 'seal' kit for the front axle for $15, you can remove the wheels, disconnect the brake lines, remove the calipers, dislodge the pistons and replace the seals and dust boots in about an hour per caliper. The problem arises if you discover a problem inside brake piston housing..such as a rust blister etc. Then you have to hone it out and possibly get larger pistons. Consequently, most garages would say it is not cost effective to "rebuild" the calipers and they just tell you they need to be replaced and charge you.

hope this helps