Street Driving - Brake Piston without dust boot

[tlevine984]

When swapping out brake pads I removed a badly worn dust boot.

Can I replace the dust boot without removing the caliper? Any tips? What are implications if I drive without replacing the dust boot (street driving).

[Walt Fricke]

Should be able to. There are two kinds of boots. One has a steel ring with the rubber of the boot molded around it. I find these nearly impossible to install even with the caliper in my vice.

The other has a separate split steel ring - install rubber part, slip ring over it to hold in place, all done.

I'd not worry about some driveing with a bad dust boot. Happens all the time, as they can fry easily, especially if track driven.

Put another way, order boots, but drive in the mean time.

[DRACO A5OG]

Welcome to the board!

If front they are pretty easy, the rears are another story. It is best to press them on while off but in a pinch go to a hardware store and get a 1/25" PVC coupler and use that with a wood clamps and press it on. May need several attempt to snap it on. The rear's have a barbed ring to fit over the caliper.

[Jesse16]

Just did a brake caliper rebuild myself (on an 87)and I can say that I'd be suprised if you could replace a dust boot without caliper removal. As others say, probably should just put it on a "to do" list for next time you replace pads, add in caliper removal (easy) for new boots. Fronts boots easy, rears require a quick mod to the clipping ring.

[tlevine984]

Thanks for advice.

If I drive without a dust boot for a couple of months in the rainy east coast winter season do I risk killing the piston (excess moisture?)

If not, I'll put in on my to do list when swapping out the front pads in the spring.


Cheers,
Todd

[Jesse16]

Probably not but of course no way to know. If your pads were worn, probably less cylinder surface is actually exposed so ? Lots of "what ifs". Since this happens all the time and it usually isn't fatal, I'd risk it. Just don't forget it.

[Gunter]

Originally Posted by tlevine984

Thanks for advice.

If I drive without a dust boot for a couple of months in the rainy east coast winter season do I risk killing the piston (excess moisture?)

If not, I'll put in on my to do list when swapping out the front pads in the spring.

Cheers,
Todd

The dust shields have a purpose.

An easy test to see if there is already corrosion/rust on the piston is to push it back, then use the pedal to bring it back out.

Caliper pistons move very little during regular driving/braking and they can rust up since ALL brake fluids contain a low amount of moisture. So, moisture from the inside and water/dirt from the outside will do it.

The other items that usually rust up are the bleeder nipples. Put a few drops of penetrating oil on them and crack them lose briefly until a little brake fluid comes out. Don't worry, air will not enter, since gravity works down, not up.