Brake Caliper Rebuild Problem

sobodave · 04-02-2006, 12:30 PM

I rebuilt my passenger side calipers without a problem. Now that I am doing the driver's side, I can't get one of the pistons out. I used C-Clamps to break the corrosion seal and push the piston in but it still wouldn't blow out. I hooked it back up to the car and that worked to get it out some, but it only goes out so far, since obviously the rotor is in the way.

Since hooking it back up to the car did work to move it out some, I am thinking I should do it again, but without the rotor so that the piston would come out further. Has anyone ever tried this method before? Can anyone think of any downside?

Thanks for your help.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

I don't see any downside to your plan. Just make sure you've got something (wood?) in between so it doesn't shoot out and bang up the other side. Maybe a towel over it all to contain the brake fluid...

Jip · 04-03-2006, 12:22 PM

attn. sobodave; Try removing the caliper from the strut and lifting it back off of the disc. Put a small C clamp on the free piston to hold it in and pump the brake pedal. This 'should', I repeat,'should' free up the stuck piston. And place an empty coffee can under the car to catch the fluid. And remember the wooden stick part too. "Cheers' Roadslayer

Superman · 04-03-2006, 01:11 PM

What roadslayer said. Take the caliper off the rotor and strut, but leave the brake line attached. Retain the good piston with a C-clamp and use the brake pedal to remove the stubborn one. If the hydraulic pressure in your brake system cannot push that piston out, then I don't know what will.

Jip · 04-03-2006, 02:00 PM

'Me either."

scottcip1562 · 04-03-2006, 04:12 PM

When I did mine, I used an air compresser to blow the piston out. Put a small piece of wood to keep the other piston from coming all the way out. Insert your blower nozzel in the break fitting. It will just pop out.

Oh Haha · 04-03-2006, 05:13 PM

I had the same problem with two of my pistons. They just would not come out for nothin'.
I used a lot of PB Blaster to break the rust loose and kept using compressed air. They eventually popped out. Be sure to use some emory cloth to clean up the bores and the piston. I think you need to get the rust and corrosion to break free in the caliper.