Advice for removing stuck caliper pistons

[cheap 40]

OK, so I had this death wobble going on the other day.......after researching here and then beginning exploratory surgery, I found that 3 out of 4 pistons on the passenger side caliper are locked up tight.

Any advice on removing these? I have not tried anything yet (except the air pressure trick that didn't work) for fear of buggering something up. I really don't want to have to buy new pistons if I can help it. Thanks in advance for any insight.

Tony

 

[Rich]

Hook the caliper back up to your brake system. Push on the brake pedal. Have a piece of wood in the caliper to prevent the pistons from totally exiting the bore.

 

[cheap 40]

I'll try it. Thanks.

Tony

 

[John E Davies]

I suggest reinstalling each caliper over the rotor, but leave out a pad on the side that is stuck. After bleeding, if you stomp on the brakes and the pistons still don't move, you might as well turn the caliper(s) into paperweights - you ain't going to remove them by any other method.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[cheap 40]

I tried what Rich suggested and got all but one to turn loose. John, I was thinking the same thing about the last one. I will try that later tonight when I get more time.

Thanks again for the help, this is why this board is such a valuable resource!!

Tony

 

[El Perro Grande]

Hot damn I love this site. I have a stuck piston and was going directly pass go to the paperweight without bothering to ask. Thanks for the tips fellas.

 

[cheap 40]

One thing that I have found hanging around here is that there is not too much on a Cruiser that can't be rebuilt. They may require a little more attention, but at least (with the help of the people on this board) we can fix 'em.

Tony

 

[alia176]

Tony,

If your pistons are stuck then it's prolly due to corrosion. If you get all four pistons out, clean them with emry cloth and purchase a small rebuild kit then you'll be in business. However, if you can splurge on four new pistons, then you'll be in a better shape. I don't feel that it's worth salvaging old pistons if you have the resources to purchase new ones. I recommend getting a complete new seal kit because the old pistons are going to destroy the seals on their way out.

Good luck.

Ali

 

[IdahoDoug]

Agree on the rebuild kit as if there's corrosion it means the bellowed skirt type rubber sleeve's letting moisture in. I think the kit for both front calipers is $22 from Cdan and includes all 16 seals/sleeves. For the last remaining stuck one, try pulling the bellow skirt outer sleeve dealie and putting a bit of PB Blaster there. Capillary action will get it in and likely loosen it up. Clean the pistons with a rag as if you have actual corroded metal beyond something you can get off with a rag and brake cleaner then the piston should be replaced. Any sanding or abrasion would be impractical since the final surface should basically be a mirror. For instance, mine cleaned down to the faintest discoloration which you couldn't really feel - just see. Look for my post a couple years back for any other caliper rebuild tips.

DougM

 

[cheap 40]

I have the rebuild kit on the way, it will be in tomorrow morning (Sorry Dan, but I'll be feeding the dogs plenty soon). Doug, that is exactly what I am doing right now, letting it soak for a while with PB Blaster. I have seen that stuff work some miracles in the past, and and hope it's got one more for me.

From what I can see of the pistons now, everything looks pretty good. I'll know more when I get everything apart and if they are not smooth, they will be getting replaced. This is the family hauler, after all.

Hey, look!! 100th post!!

Tony

 

[cheap 40]

The PB Blaster worked!! All four pistons are now free. Don't know yet if I have any pitting, but I will find out tonight.

Thanks once again for the help.

Tony

 

[IdahoDoug]

Excellent. That is amazing stuff.

DougM