Handy Tip for servicing Disk Calipers

[MonsterSurf]

If you are planning on servicing your disk calipers, and like me find upon stripping that one of more of the pistons are seized, i have found an easy way of removing even the most stubborn and rusty pistons, some of you may well be aware of this, i worked it out after bashing the f**k out of one of my pistons in a vain attempt to free it... :s

With the Calipers still attached to the Hub Carrier, remove the pads, then chock the pistons that are not seized, so all the hydraulic power goes to the seized piston, and press the brake pedal !! and hey presto, out it pops wish i'd of worked that out on the first one...

just thought i'd share that one with you guys

take it easy!

[jbriers]

Seized Calliper

Vonderbar!!

Great tip, thank you

[Balllsy]

Had to do that with mine yesterday... one of the 4 had seized.

[flyingspanner]

Yep and me. Replacing calipers now, just not worth messing around with. Freed off 4 out of the 8 but braking has got really uneven.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Brake pistons are seizing because no-one bothers to replace the (probably) 18 year old brake fluid.

The fluid is hygroscopic which means it will absorb water and reduce braking efficiency because the boiling point of the fluid will be reduced. Water in the fluid will corrode the steel brake lines and pistons in the calipers over time. Brake fluid should be completely renewed every 2-3 years IMO.

[NiftyNev]

All Surfs (and other vehicles for that matter) of this age should have the calipers removed and rekitted, as soon as you buy them. Maybe this will stop things deteriorating so badly, requiring new calipers when they eventually seize.
I had a seized piston in mine when I first got it because the outer seals were split. Fortunately I was able to save all the pistons and the calipers were still fine. As well as water in the brake fluid causing corrosion the split seals also allow water and dirt in around the pistons.

Nev.

[flyingspanner]

Totally agree with the fluid change. Changed the callipers, and brake fluid on my gen3 could not believe the crud in the fluid it was black, when compared to the new fluid I was a bit shocked to say the least.
It's one thing on your car that could save your life or someone else's for that matter.
One thing I will say is I refilled mine with clean fluid bleed the system and changed it again got loads more crud out doing that. Good time to change to braided hoses too.

Another note.... Flush the system through the old callipers or before you overhaul the old ones, don't want any old poo going through nice new callipers