Brake caliper piston removal trick

Editor Gary demonstrates his easy way to extract brake caliper pistons on the bench using a 12v tyre compressor. Should prevent grappling with pliers and other tools that will damage polished piston surfaces. Wear eye goggles and mind your fingers.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• brake
• caliper
• piston
• removal
• instructions
• tutorial
• howto
• MGB
• calliper
• seized
• tips
• help

[GreaseMonkey1953]

HI Gary, I've been using the air method for years, seen some accidents too!! pistons shooting out all over the workshop followed by the remaining brake fluid!! I say use grease as it's more controllable, i.e. comes out a lot slower, yes it's messy, but the caliper will need cleaning anyway.

John.

[ClassicsMonthly]

@GreaseMonkey1953 Thanks John, I think it's fair to say a modicum of common sense should prevail if trying this method. If the piston seals were leaking prior, don't try this method, instead expect a cloud of paint eating brake fluid to follow. As soon as the pistons are out, remove the air nozzle. All the best, Gary.

[GreaseMonkey1953]

Works easily with a new caliper, pity they didn't used a seized caliper! Pumping in grease is much safer.

[ClassicsMonthly]

@GreaseMonkey1953 Hello John, glad Practical Classics is watching - can we expect to see this tip nicked soon like my cling-film wrapping tip of a stored engine PC ran recently? :-) The caliper isn't new. One piston was partially seized but came undone in the practise run. Grease works too, but then you need to remove it from all the bore holes. This method is safe enough if the bar is used and eye goggles worn. All the best, Gary.

[opsvideo2008]

Thanks for posting your video. I like your idea of using a metal rod to stop the caliper pistons.

[amjott]

FABULOUS!! THAT WORKED GREAT!! Thanks for posting this! I've got a GTO that I'm in the process of putting the later, heavier brakes into, and wanted to strip them down, sandblast them and repaint them first. I had no idea it could be so easy! Some tricks like this are like, "who thought of something so simple, and so effective, first?" Fabulous! Thanks again!!!