brakes retracting brake caliper pistons

[cyclopticgaze]

I'm having trouble retracting two of the pistons in my brake calipers up front. The brake system has been bled dry, and I've opened the reservoir top and even loosened the bleeding nipples on the calipers. I've managed to get the other pistons retracted by prying between them and the rotor with a flathead screwdriver, but these last two just won't budge. And I've been none too gentle. I've squirted penetrating oil on one and WD-40 on the other and neither has worked. I've even used the screwdriver as a wedge, hammering it in there. Am I missing something, or are these things just bound up really really well?

They're sticking out, by the way, because I pumped the pedal a few times to make sure they would work, prior to bleeding the system dry to replace the hoses. Most work.

And this car sat in some guy's driveway for three years, just so you know where things are starting.

[winstontj]

Pistons are very brittle. Be extra careful not to break them when prying.

PRY HARDER!!

Use a thin, old brake pad up against the rotor. Bolt the caliper back on the strut housing and try a big 'ol crowbar or a bigger screwdriver. They will free up. Also think about rebuilding/replacing. Ifyour calipers are that frozen they may freeze up again and that's no fun. Once freed up pull back the rubber boot and apply appropriate lube. Work them back and forth a bit before re-installation

[TJs692002]

a C-clamp is your friend. Use one of those instead of the the screwdriver and your problem will be solved.

[reuben2002]

In our shop we always use channel locks, and that always works. Haven't tried it on 2002 calipers though. If they are frozen we always rebuild them, at least replace the o-rings.

[c.d.iesel]

.... you need (2) two new calipers (.)

replace in pairs only!

[cyclopticgaze]

Yeah, when I was prying so hard that I was afraid my (large) screwdriver would break, I feared that might be the case. Sigh.