Hey guys, still working on my 88 project. Sorry if this has been asked a million times but I wanted to confirm something real quick. I have some really rusty rotors and I think it might be best to just replace them. (Calipers are another story...lol) I know the 88s have weird brakes and I've heard every part of them are hard to come by. I went to rock auto for shits and giggles and found that they have rotors that say they work for the rear or front. I just wanted to confirm if this was true or not? Should I grab a set or will they not fit? The fiero store has a full set but they're waaaay more expensive than these ones. Thanks for the help as always!

[This message has been edited by Worcen (edited 09-30-2025).]

quote Originally posted by Worcen: Hey guys, still working on my 88 project. Sorry if this has been asked a million times but I wanted to confirm something real quick. I have some really rusty rotors and I think it might be best to just replace them. (Calipers are another story...lol) I know the 88s have weird brakes and I've heard every part of them are hard to come by. I went to rock auto for shits and giggles and found that they have rotors that say they work for the rear or front. I just wanted to confirm if this was true or not? Should I grab a set or will they not fit? The fiero store has a full set but they're waaaay more expensive than these ones. Thanks for the help as always!

That wouldn't make sense to me. Rock Auto does get a little weird when there's 1-year only stuff.

As far as I know... aren't the front Fiero brakes (1988 only) vented? ... and the rear brakes not? They definitely couldn't be interchanged if that's the case. I've never had an 88.

[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 09-30-2025).]

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: That wouldn't make sense to me. Rock Auto does get a little weird when there's 1-year only stuff. As far as I know... aren't the front Fiero brakes (1988 only) vented? ... and the rear brakes not? They definitely couldn't be interchanged if that's the case. I've never had an 88.

Yeah I and my family have been burned by rock auto before (as much as I love them and their magnets 😂) I need to have a better look at my rotors, I'll check the fronts soon. Currently have the rear in the air to get the tank dropped again to replace the sending unit.



Now that I'm checking, the fiero store does have rotors for "front or rear" maybe I'm in luck! It would be nice if I could pay 100 bucks instead of 190 for all 4 rotors and shipping.

Yes, both front and rear are vented and the same size......

I went for RAYBESTOS 56543R
Brake Rotors, Vented, Four ($108)+($41 Ship)+($15 Tax) = $157

quote Originally posted by Vintage-Nut: Yes, both front and rear are vented and the same size......

Damn, that's pretty awesome. I don't even think my Crown Victoria has vented rear disc brakes, and it's like a 5,000 pound car.

quote Originally posted by Worcen: I have some really rusty rotors and I think it might be best to just replace them.

If they're just rusted (not gouged, not warped), cleaning up the rotors with a wire wheel would be my preference.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: As far as I know... aren't the front Fiero brakes (1988 only) vented? ... and the rear brakes not?

Incorrect. '88 rotors are vented on all four corners.

For anyone who really needs to replace their '88 rotors, This is a very helpful thread with the intriguing option of using '97 Cavalier rotors.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-30-2025).]

Used Rotors with Used Brake Pads
New Rotors with New Brake Pads
Used Rotors with New Brake Pads

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Incorrect. '88 rotors are vented on all four corners. For anyone who really needs to replace their '88 rotors, This is a very helpful thread with the intriguing option of using '97 Cavalier rotors.

Thanks Patrick! Good to know they're all the same and Rockauto hasn't let me down.

I think I might try the wire wheel method...trying to keep this on a budget so if I don't have to replace all the rotors that would be nice 😂

Hey guys, sorry to resurrect this thread but I figured I'd ask here instead of making a new one. I'm looking to replace all the rubber boots on my rear calipers. The fiero store has two kits for the 88 calipers. 1 for the front and one for the rear. I mainly want the main seal that goes around the piston. My dumb question is, is the seal the same on the front and back? To be honest I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible and the front kit is way cheaper than the rear...I'm also buying the sliders and boots. But it would be nice to save some cash if I can.

[This message has been edited by Worcen (edited 10-06-2025).]

I wouldn't replace them until you actually measure the thickness of your current rotors. They can look pretty ropy and still clean up over minimum.

If the "main" seal needs to be replaced, chances are pretty good that all the other seals will need to be replaced.

You can always take your rotors to Autozone or similar and have them turned - that way it will remove the rust and any pitting.

The question you need to ask, do you really want to cheap out on brakes?

ive not been able to get on rockauto for two days.

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: ...have them turned - that way it will remove the rust and any pitting.

Very minor pitting probably makes no real difference... but I agree that major pitting would need to be removed by having the rotors turned.

I don't know why I've been unaware of this, but I just discovered that regular cheap white vinegar can be used to remove rust. There are several videos on YouTube covering this, but I chose this one as the guy's thick Scottish accent is an added bonus.

[strike][/strike]

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: If the "main" seal needs to be replaced, chances are pretty good that all the other seals will need to be replaced. You can always take your rotors to Autozone or similar and have them turned - that way it will remove the rust and any pitting. The question you need to ask, do you really want to cheap out on brakes?

Yup, very true. I plan to buy rebuild kits from the fiero store tomorrow when I get paid. I think the calipers are still good. I already got pads for them, the rubber stuff just needs redone.

Gotta push the pistons in...I've seen a lot of threads on these. The ogre has a page about it so I'll refer to that.

quote Originally posted by Worcen: I didn't know that either! Huh...I'll give this a try too.

The only thing I would suggest, is trying for a shorter period of time initially. This fella actually left them soaking overnight, which may or may not have contributed to the rough surface afterwards. In other videos I've watched since, it appears that sometimes only an hour is required. It depends on the amount of rust, I suppose. Best to err on the side of caution, just in case prolonged submersion in vinegar is detrimental.

Evapo-Rust

quote Originally posted by Vintage-Nut: Evapo-Rust

That's some good stuff.