Caliper Rebuild Question

IAN · 12-02-2005, 01:58 PM

I'm rebuilding the calipers on my 72 2.4 T.

I have ordered the re-build kit frool pelican and I'm not planning on splitting the caliper per Wayne's suggest in the 101 projects book.

I do not own an air compressor. Is there an alternative way to get the same result of slowly blowing out the pistons without compressed air?

Can this re-build be well done without compressed air?

Thanks.

Ian

ghnat · ghnat's Garage

Do you have a bicycle pump? Worked for me... If not then keep the hydrolic lines attached and use the brake pedal to pop them out. Place a piece of wood between the cyclinders, so one side does not completely pop out.

FrayAdjacent911 · 12-02-2005, 02:02 PM

Well, I rebuilt the calipers on my '70T, but did use a friend's compressor to blow them out. It's just uber easy that way. You could try a small can of duster type compressed air, but I don't think it will have the pressure needed.

It MIGHT work if the pistons are still moving freely... my rear calipers were seized.

B D · 12-02-2005, 02:05 PM

Compressed air is the best choice. Grease from a grease gun works but it's a mess and you must clean every drip of it out. I would borrow a compressor, buy a small one, or buy just a tank ($20+) and fill it with air somewhere and bring it back to your work area. Don't grab the piston and pull it out you will damage it. The surface of the piston must be perfectly smooth with no imperfections.

You could also do it on the car and get the pistons as far out as possible by using the brake pedal and a helper. This could be hard to do for all four, usually this is done only if one piston can't be pushed out as described above.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

you can get a cheapo air compressor from kragen, or other parts place like that for less than $80 or $90. how can you get by without one i dont know. a great investment.

Evans, Marv · 12-02-2005, 02:41 PM

Go to an independent garage/auto repair and give them $5 to help you blow them out. Be careful though. If you haven't done it before you might be surprised at how hard the piston can bang out of there, and a good block of wood is a must. You can start with a little thicker piece of wood so the piston(s) doesn't go out too far to begin with. That way you can get an idea of the force your're working with and how the piston moves out of the bore. Then put a thinner piece in and hit with air to force it out more until you can remover them. Also, one might come out while the other won't. You can put an appropriate sized C clamp on one and lever a piece of wood against the other while you try to work it out.
Good luck.

Jubbie · 03:48 PM

Here is what worked best for me:

Grease gun with brake fluid...

Better way to rebuild calipers