Brake caliper issue

[ybn533]

Hi
I have one caliper piston stuck. How can I release it or fix the problem?
You can see that one pad is over and the other one is good. The one that is finished was on the stuck piston.

Thanks

[brighton911]

Time to remove both the calipers on that "axle" and rebuild or have them rebuilt. Lots of info in the forum on how to rebuild them, use the Search function. If you can do it yourself, the caliper rebuild kits are inexpensive. And if you get good at it, why not do the other axle calipers as well, they are probably in need too. Good luck.

[Jesse16]

There is no "easy" release and go on with life solution. Same with any "stuck" caliper issue with any car. You either rebuild the calipers or have someone else do it. This happens with all brake calipers after enough time goes by. You are lucky to live in a dry climate so a good repair/rebuild of your calipers should last many years. There are a myriad of threads if you want to DIY the job.

[Flojo]

you stuck piston is a bad issue. stuck for too long. the inside is probably rustetd too. a job for a pro for sure. wouldnt really bother fussing with it myself.

the quickest way to solve this, i.e. to get back on the road fast, is to swap this caliper against a good/new one.

I guess in the US you get refurbished ones for about USD 100-150,- in exchange for the old one?

At least this is what I did, orderd all 4 new/refurbished/anodized, put 'em on and sent the old ons back to the refurbisher who then refunded me the deposit.

after bleeding the brakes I was back an the road within 3 hours.

[ybn533]

Originally Posted by Flojo

you stuck piston is a bad issue. stuck for too long. the inside is probably rustetd too. a job for a pro for sure. wouldnt really bother fussing with it myself.

the quickest way to solve this, i.e. to get back on the road fast, is to swap this caliper against a good/new one.

I guess in the US you get refurbished ones for about USD 100-150,- in exchange for the old one?

At least this is what I did, orderd all 4 new/refurbished/anodized, put 'em on and sent the old ons back to the refurbisher who then refunded me the deposit.

after bleeding the brakes I was back an the road within 3 hours.

Thanks!
where can I buy refurbished ones? I'm not sure that I can make the exchange because I'm from Israel and not from the US

[Jesse16]

In the US its pretty easy to buy new or rebuilt and return the cores (old unit) from many auto parts suppliers. Pelican here can sell you calipers. If that's difficult, then simply purchasing repair kits which are simply new rubber seals and dust boots is cheap. Then DIY or find a mechanic who can do it for you (not difficult with simple tools). For a street driven car, that solution should result in a great repair.

[ybn533]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

In the US its pretty easy to buy new or rebuilt and return the cores (old unit) from many auto parts suppliers. Pelican here can sell you calipers. If that's difficult, then simply purchasing repair kits which are simply new rubber seals and dust boots is cheap. Then DIY or find a mechanic who can do it for you (not difficult with simple tools). For a street driven car, that solution should result in a great repair.

Thanks! I’ll think I’ll go with that route...

[T77911S]

when I bought my 77s one piston on each caliper was stuck.
with the calipers on the car you can use the brake pedal. you have to put all the pads back in the other calipers and you may want to put the thicker pad in on the side that the piston moves.

the other option is compressed air. put a board in the caliper where the rotor goes. you have to use one of the old pads to fill the gap on the piston that moves,. then put the air to it.

BTW, even though my calipers still needed rebuilding they worked great.

just my opinion, I think when people don't use the brakes very hard they end up with stuck pistons. brakes need to be thoroughly exercised

[porsche930dude]

rebuilding is easy its just one o ring and the outer seal. the trick is getting the piston out without damaging it. Another method is to drive it out with a grease gun. Iv used a grease gun with brake fluid in it that way you dont have to deal with the cleanup of grease. You can sand down the rusty bore but if the piston is damaged with rust and pitting you may need a new one at that point it may be better to get a new caliper. you can not sand the piston it must be absolutely smooth. Your caliper isnt leaking so you may be able to use the old seals if you dont hurt them getting it apart. Of course thats not ideal but it can be done

[ybn533]

Thanks guys
I order a rebuild kit. I will try to do it..

[OK-944]

In rebuilding my 944's calipers...I noted that the one piston that had actually "frozen" was very slightly corroded inside - and I was able to gently hone this (with the appropriate brake cylinder hone) back into shape.

[Jdub]

I have rebuilt my calipers twice now and I would not hesitate to use PMB or another rebuilder to swap my old calipers for new. When doing so, I will also have the brake pad "spring" plate replaced and consider the condition of the pin and pin clip holding the brake pads.

If you do this yourself, read everything you can find on the subject here. You will want the proper grease, be mindful of pad orientation, and have tremendous patience when attempting to both remove and reinsert the pucks into the body of the caliper. This may mean very light scotchbrite pads to remove rust, etc. Oh, also, you are going to want to paint them - see how this all starts adding up?

My feeling on this subject is that these calipers are so old, and so few of us have the correct facilities to soak, soda blast, paint, prep. the puck and its corresponding bore, etc. that the result is less than these cars deserve. A new set of calipers, in a nice gold finish, is my plan next time I do this job. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[DRACO A5OG]

Best Wishes YBN.

Just make sure the pistons are not pitted, they will leak and when they rust, they will stick. If they are pitted, you must replace it. Study the orientation, the two pistons must mirror each other at the proper 20 degree angle ( As I recall )