Easy as 1 2 3 Brake Rebuild

[Dale]

Okay, here's the update. I connected my grease gun to the caliper fitting and placed a piece of thin plywood between the pistons then began to squeeze. The loose caliper began to creep out but the other wouldn't budge. Finally the loose piston hit the wood while the other piston stayed put not even moving a micron. Finally, the one loose piston came out far enough to begin oozing grease from around it's circumference and the other piston never budged. I removed the piece of wood, but there still wasn't enough clearance for the loose piston to come all the way out. The other piston is firmly stuck and won't budge. What's the next step?

[Chsmadden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Okay, here's the update. I connected my grease gun to the caliper fitting and placed a piece of thin plywood between the pistons then began to squeeze. The loose caliper began to creep out but the other wouldn't budge. Finally the loose piston hit the wood while the other piston stayed put not even moving a micron. Finally, the one loose piston came out far enough to begin oozing grease from around it's circumference and the other piston never budged. I removed the piece of wood, but there still wasn't enough clearance for the loose piston to come all the way out. The other piston is firmly stuck and won't budge. What's the next step?

[UngaWunga]

Oh its not that hard. Just messy.

If one side is stuck, rebuild the other side, put a C clamp on it to hold it in place. Hook the caliper back up to the brake system and pump away. The other piston will pop out.

Messy and time consuming. But not difficult.

[Dale]

Don't I feel stupid. I missed the C-clamp part. Will give it another go this weekend. The other piston is stuck in just the right spot where the loose piston does not have enough clearance to pop out. Thanks for the tips.

[emerald]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveydog Be careful out there fellow Alfa nuts! And if you just can't be careful, then at least have lot's of ice handy...

[Dale]

Prior to working on my gal again, I'll put the wheels underneath. Thanks for the safety tips. It just makes sense doesn't it. I'll pass this along to my kids too! The weekend was little too busy for me to work on the brakes again but I did go and buy a set of C-clamps. I'll post more when I get the chance.

[Rich]

[quote=Alfajay;544964]Dale:

One of the harder parts of the caliper rebuild operation is getting the pistons out of the calipers. Especially when the seals are hardened and things are dirty/rusty.

The "easiest" way to do it (and "easy" is a relative term here) is to use hydraulic pressure to push them out. With the calipers & brake lines still in place, remove the pads, step on the pedal, and push them part way out. Ideally, once they are most of the way out, you can remove them mechanically (ie. yank them out). Don't use vicegrips though - you'll mar the outside of the pistons.

Compressed air is another solution, though few air compressors generate as much pressure as a brake hydraulic system.

To add to this i would use a small piece of wood in between the pistons before apply the brakes or compressed air, the pistons will come out fast and you don't want them bashing each other.

Rich

[jimcra]

When under a car, any car, I use the jack stands, the hydralic jack as back-up touching a support area and always throw the stacked tires under the area I'm working. Good advice your dad gave emerald. I can always buy new wheels but only have one chest or head. Better save than sorry...