caliper dust ring/gasket

[lonelydriver]

I upgraded to the 4 runner brakes not too long ago and recently inspecting the pads I noticed that the little ring has popped off the gasket that surround the brake piston. This has happened on both sides on 1 piston each. Is this something I need to worry about? My brake performance is still not good and am planning to rebleed it today. Am I going to need to replace the calipers again due the the dust ring popped off? They were rebuilt ones from NAPA.

Thanks for the input,

-Kevin

 

[BJ-44]

It would be best to pop the ring back on since it keeps the dust seal sealed. If you go through water or mud it will cause the piston to eventually stick. It is not too difficult but you might be able to get enough room to pop it back on by taking out the brake pad. If not you will need to remove the caliper. Depending on how tight the ring is, it can be worked back on sometimes by hand or with a screwdriver. Just becareful not to pierce the seal.

 

[lovetoski]

The "ring" is a spring clip, similar to what's used on a front axle. I use the same tool, and it's a cinch. Not sure what these are called exactly - retaining ring pliers maybe? Anyway, they are easy to use to open up the spring clip that holds the brake cyclinder seal in place. Just open up the clip, remove it, reinstall the seal with your fingers, then use the pliers to reinstall the clip.