Infuriating Brake Job

[wolfman_matt]

Any tips on getting the piston compressed. I have always had no problem just using a C-clamp to squeeze it but it is very stuck this time. Could it be seized? Can the piston come out too far and hang up? I'm able to bleed fluid so I'm assuming the brake lines are not plugged (the brakes worked fine prior to trying to replace the pads). I haven't taken the caliper off before but maybe that would help? Thanks for any suggestions. Matt

 

[jdub]

Thread moved...not a 7M-GE Tech question.

 

[Kangae]

Any tips on getting the piston compressed. I have always had no problem just using a C-clamp to squeeze it but it is very stuck this time. Could it be seized? Can the piston come out too far and hang up? I'm able to bleed fluid so I'm assuming the brake lines are not plugged (the brakes worked fine prior to trying to replace the pads). I haven't taken the caliper off before but maybe that would help? Thanks for any suggestions. Matt

I normally use a c-clamp type thing for mine and that works, I know some people use channel locks but I'm not a big fan. With the C-clamp, I can't offer much advice, just make sure its centered.

 

[tissimo]

If its hard to push the piston in with a C Clamp your pistons are sticking. I'd start looking into rebuilding your or getting replacements.

 

[OfnaRcR4]

you do have the bleeder open when you are trying right?

 

[RiyadYar]

c-clamp never failed for me but like previously stated if your having that much trouble maybe its time to get some new ones

 

[WhtMa71]

Yep, normal C clamp worked for me as well..You're doing it wrong?

 

[PureDrifter]

try opening the lid for the BMC.

 

[Poodles]

you do have the bleeder open when you are trying right?

Not needed and can introduce air.

try opening the lid for the BMC.

^^This

 

[Kckazdude]

If you arent kinking your rubber line when trying to compress the clamp then you need to rebuild/replace the caliper.

 

[wolfman_matt]

Thanks for the suggestions guys...I had the BMC lid off and was able to bleed out the bleeder valve. But still no luck with the piston.

Final decided to disconnect the brake line and that allowed me to get the piston to compress. I then bled out the air and checked to make sure the piston moved when the brake pedal was compressed and put it back together.

More headache than planned but I survived and learned a few new things.

If you arent kinking your rubber line when trying to compress the clamp then you need to rebuild/replace the caliper.

 

[PureDrifter]

sounds like there's blockage/corrosion in the hydraulic system either inside the caliper itself (common) or between the caliper and the BMC (rare)

does your car have ABS? if so that might have been the problem.

 

[rayall01]

Yeah, just because you can bleed it, doesn't mean the hose isn't bad. The hose can be blocked in one direction and work OK in the other. Replace your hoses. It's would give you an excuse to upgrade to steel braided.

 

[gaboonviper85]

remove caliper....have a friend slowly press the break pedal to break the piston free....then try to compress it again with the c clamp.

 

[rayall01]

remove caliper....have a friend slowly press the break pedal to break the piston free....then try to compress it again with the c clamp.

Gaboon, he got the piston free, when he removed the hose.