jvandyke

Got caliper rebuild kit. Got caliper off okay. Wanted to use brake system to push piston out. Only goes so far then stops. Pedal goes to floor. I couldn't figure out where the boot retaining ring is hidden in there, thinking maybe something there was holding up piston?
Not sure if the master is bad too or I'm just mired in caliper issues.
So, boot retaining ring removal?
Using brake hydraulics to push piston out?
Thoughts on master?
At least parts are cheap. Will spring for all new caliper and/or master but always like to try the rebuild stuff first.

jvandyke

Is there some sort of bypass in the caliper that when the piston gets out so far the fluid just recirculates? I doubt it.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

i've always used compressed air to remove piston. but if they're available i'd just replace them.

clykins

iTrader: (1)

I would remove the caliper and do as Rxtasy3 suggested and use compressed air. Good luck.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

the last caliper set i did was an FD and those pistons did not want to come out, maybe you just need to help it a little?

jvandyke

so the dust boot retaining ring (that I can't seem to dig out of there) won't hold the piston in?

jvandyke

Got it. After pushing back in with clamp, pushing out with car's hydraulics, eventually it worked all the way out. Cleaned everything up, new seal, new dust boot (pain putting that back in, ripped the boot a bit in the process, ugh. Brake seems alright, doesn't release quite as nice as the other side but hopefully it will settle in a bit.

midnight mechanic

how hard is removing retaining ring? what tools do I need? my wet caliper is rusted around the retaining ring, is that a problem?

"using the car hydraulics"......that's the kind of info I come here for

Ordered the rebuild kit, its delivery is scheduled 9 days from now.

midnight mechanic

One down! this is what I learned:
1>after rotating the caliper up as you would when changing the disc brake pads, pump the brake pedal, You will hear a clang when the brake piston comes out.
2>then remove the caliper.
3>dig with a small screw driver at the outer seal untill you see the retaining spring clip
4>remove spring clip, and then remove the inner seal that is in the recessed .grove of the brake cylinder.
5>clean all that sh$% up
6>insert the inner seal, and smear a dab of brake fluid on it.
7>attach the outer seal to the brake piston (that's the IMPORTANT tip)
8>THEN insert brake piston into the cylinder.
9> work the outer seal to the cylinder's groove
10>work the new retaining spring into the cylinder's groove
11>attach caliper, and brake hose, the disc brake pads, and bleed the brakes

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Your first step could damage the piston if not careful. The best way is to put a small piece of wood between the piston and whatever is stopping it. The best way is to remove it and use compressed air with the wood. You have more control and can watch it as you apply pressure.

Good to hear you got er done though.

midnight mechanic

One down! this is what I learned:
1>after rotating the caliper up as you would when changing the disc brake pads, pump the brake pedal, You will hear a clang when the brake piston comes out.
2>then remove the caliper.
3>dig with a small screw driver at the outer seal untill you see the retaining spring clip
4>remove spring clip, and then remove the inner seal that is in the recessed .grove of the brake cylinder.
5>clean all that sh$% up
6>insert the inner seal, and smear a dab of brake fluid on it.
7>attach the outer seal to the brake piston (that's the IMPORTANT tip)
8>THEN insert brake piston into the cylinder.
9> work the outer seal to the cylinder's groove
10>work the new retaining spring into the cylinder's groove
11>attach caliper, and brake hose, the disc brake pads, and bleed the brakes

midnight mechanic

Ever notice that the hole for entering brake fluid and bleeding valve is at the center of the brake cylinder chamber? That means some air always remains after bleeding?

midnight mechanic

went to two indi garages for a brake caliper replacement price quote. One said 1.4 hours labor= $150 but he can't find the parts. The other said 1.5 hours labor = $125 and he could find the parts. Rebuilding the calipers is an 1.5 hour job, it is cheaper to just buy new calipers at $50 each.

So wow! I am one gifted mechanic or these guys are crooks!!!