brakes The Brake Caliper Continued

[Guest Anonymous]

1976 2002, drivers side caliper has all four pistons seized in different positions.

I've unbolted the caliper to put in new bearings (inner and outer) and new rotor.

Tried:

1. opening bleed screws and pressing on two pistons evenly at one time.

2. Blocking 3 pistons and applying pressure to the brake to free one at a time.

3. Just pressing on the pistons with the long end of screwdriver... and other objects

4. Making violent threats against the caliper

Am I going to have to disconnect from the lines and put in the rebuild kit.. or just get a rebuilt one? there's got to be a way to get those pistons back into their sleeves.

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

Remove dust covers, spray the piston with WD40/lubricant and force piston back into the caliper with a G clamp a couple of mm, then press the brakes hard to force it back out, now that the seal and piston are lubricated it should move, you may have to do this a few times to get it to work, do not remove completely.

When it is moving jam it in place locking wire/another G clamp etc. then work on the next one untill all are moving then remove as normal.

If serious corrosion is there replace, if minor, clean up and reseal

[Guest Anonymous]

I did the C-clamp thing to try to free the piston. I just cranked down hard but it barely budged so whacked the end of the C-clamp while under mighty tension hoping to dislodge the piston..well a squirt of fluid out of the hose connector with each hammer blow indicated that the piston moved somewhat. I grabbed a vice-grip and gripped the edge of the piston under the dust boot and twisted until I could rotate the piston and "unscrew" it out.

IMO, if it's stuck pretty bad and you do succeed in removing the pistons and replace the seals, it may get stuck again in the near future. Better off getting some pro rebuilt units...or.. go with a BIG BRAKE kit instead.

[Guest Anonymous]

a whole lot easier job. Have tried both ways and have had best results with rebuilts.

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

I think napa has calipers cheap

[Guest Anonymous]

Update

Was able to move one piston back fully, but right bottom one began pushing fluid out. All the rubber seals are splitting.. so right then and there ordered two rebuilt calipers.. I believe the calipers are the originals w/o a doubt rusted like an iron boat in a rain forest.

www.diyautoparts.com sells for $72 + $30 core charge. Also I've had very good service/parts from www.performancemotorcars.com.. very friendly and fast shipping.