Got the old set out pushed the piston (?) back and the left/rear pad in. Try to push the right right/front piston back but it seems stuck. The bleed nipples are cracked open and a bit of fluid is coming out as I apply pressure but can't get it to move. Is there a knack or special tool for this?
Might seem like a ball ache but I always remove the callipers to redo the pads. Pistons are a pig to push back in when coupled to the pressurised brake system
Detached. But then I've never actually worn a set of pads out so when I've done brakes I've taken the callipers off, pistons out and replaced all the rubber seals. You'll be surprised if you do take them apart just how much crap is in there and how much rusty hardened brake fluid is on the pistons and inside the callipers. If you can't push the pistons in by hand they probably need doing anyway
Hmm, lots of crap in there, just unsure about servicing/rebuilding a caliper... Still the brakes ain't great so probably worthwhile. I take it that kits are available?
I don't mean take the callipers apart. Take them off, drain all of the fluid out, remove the pistons, clean them off ( I use scotch pad to get all the hard gunk off) Remove the seals in the piston holes, use scotch pad again around the top of the piston holes to get all the hard crap off, clean it all up, put new seals in, replace the pistons, making sure to get them in straight and true and facing the right direction with the cut out to match the position they came out (look for the indents in the anti squeal shims to get the position right) put the new outer seals on, fit the brake pads and reinstall. Hours work per calliper tops assuming the pistons come out no issue. The way I get the callipers out is to keep the copper brake line attached, put a 1" wide 8" long plate in one side, chock this up in the calliper with some bolts and use a foot pump to push the piston out. Take it steady as you don't want I damage the piston and DONT get your fingers in the way.
