Calper Re-build Question:

[IAN]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the calipers on my 72 T.

Both piston are out of the caliper and I have been cleaning and scrubbing the piston/cylinder with some fine scotchbrite.

The piston move freely but I can't really seem to get the piston to drop much lower than this:


When I compress the piston any further I feel spring tension on the piston and it returns to this postion.

Any thoughts?

I would think the piston would need to drop lower to prevent any brake drag.

Thanks.

[bjmullan]

Have your removed the bleed nipple? Your pistons should go all the way into the caliper (so they are flush with the caliper). Maybe the rubber seal is causing the jam?

[IAN]

I pulled the rubber seal.

Bleed nipple is open.

It almost feels like I'm building up air pressure when I try to compress. Wondering if the small passages are clogged- although I compressed air does pass through them.

Not sure what the deal is...

[rcwaldo]

Make you are not snagged on the rubber seal, in other words, the piston may have pulled the seal out of its groove partially..

Pull the pistons and have a look..

[tubwreck]

Have you lubricated the pistons and o-rings? Our host sells caliper assembly lube, or you can just use brake fluid.

Trying to stuff a piston into a dry bore and o-ring will be difficult.

[Jubbie]

If yours are like mine, there is a pin in the center of the cylinder and a spring sleve in the middle of the piston. This keeps the pads up against the rotor. Mine slowed moving further at tha tsame point.

You should be able to with a clamp to get them all the way home and stay. Inspect the alignment between the cylinder pin and piston socket before you grab the clamp though.