Can a brake caliper be rebuilt without removing the piston?
Often the whole brake caliper assembly is replaced when this happens but that is a real shame: They are very simple things, and for about 20 USD you can buy a brake caliper repair kit (which can include a brand new piston) and with an hour or so of work, your caliper will be as good as new!
Can you remove seals from a brake caliper?
The seals can easily be removed with the help of a small flat-blade screwdriver – just be careful not to score any of the parts, so you don’t cause any leaks in the future. Clean up the inside of the caliper and all the seal mating surfaces, ready for the next step.
What does the square profile seal on a brake caliper do?
The square profile seal is a very simple, but very clever, part of the caliper. On a correctly functioning brake caliper, when brake pressure is applied and the piston is pushed outwards towards the brake disk (squeezing the disk in between the pads) the square profile seal deforms.
What happens when you release the brake caliper?
Eventually the piston can corrode and the brake caliper will seize (aka ‘freeze’) and when you release the brake the brake fails to release. If this happens you may hear ‘squeeling’, smell overheating of the brake components and the entire wheel may get very hot. My 1999 Ford Focus has lived its life in the wet and windy North West of England.
Is it possible to rebuild a front brake caliper?
Caliper rebuilding – like any brake work – is a job that has to be done right, but it’s not that difficult if you follow the steps closely. Here’s how to rebuild both front and rear calipers on most cars and light trucks with disc brakes.
Where can I get a caliper rebuild kit?
Most caliper rebuild kits are available at Advance Auto Parts and are an economical alternative to installing new or remanufactured calipers. Additionally, some caliper part numbers aren’t easily available due to a lack of remanufacturing facilities, a lack of rebuildable calipers due to vehicle age, or low sales volume.
Do you need to replace rubber brake line?
Odds are, if the rubber flex line screws directly into the caliper casting, you may need to remove the rubber brake line at the far end first. Ditto when using a flare-nut wrench on the brake line. Consider replacing the steel or rubber brake lines if they are older than your dog.
How do you replace a parking brake pivot shaft?
Pull the parking brake pivot shaft from the rear of the caliper. Inspect and clean the piston and bore as described in the front caliper section. Clean and lube all sliders and pins, and lube and install the new seals. Lube and install the piston after sliding the new dust boot on the end.