Posted by Frank H on March 26, 2000 at 11:31:58:
In Reply to: seized brake calipers posted by Eugene on March 25, 2000 at 19:56:50:
: Could anyone tell me if there is a way to un-seize a seized brake caliper.I would like to know if there is a way before I shell out $$$ for a new set?BTW the car has been sitting for a while.Is there any recommended upgrades if I do have to replace them?TIA
: Eugene
Eugene,
Without knowing how bad the calipers are seized I can give you a suggestion.
Remove the bad caliper from the car but leave the hydrolic hose connected. Have a friend slowly push on the
pedal to determine which side of the caliper the piston is seized in (maybe both sides?). Once found take a C-clamp
and firmly compress the good piston tight in the caliper. Then (for safety sake) put a block of wood slightly smaller
than the opening left in the caliper (3/8-1/2" smaller). Now have your friend push hard on the pedal.Watch and either the piston
will move or not. Once it starts to move carefully push it out of it's bore but remember NOT to push the piston completely out!(Hence
the wood block) Then use another c-clamp and compress the piston back in the caliper. Repeating this process several times can "free up"
a slightly sticking caliper. BTW you can add a little WD-40 to help penetrate and remove any rust in the caliper bore.
If this doesn't free the sticking pistion then you must remove the bad caliper from the car and replace it.
I strongly recommend rebleeding the brakes after you do this procedure. Use a good quality DOT 4 fluid such as Castrol. It really
does make a difference which fluid you use. And for cars that either get driven hard or very infrequently you should change
the brake fluid at least 1 per year if not more often. On many of my cars I change the fluid twice per year. Especially before and after
any track events.
Frank