how do I remove the caliper?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
You can remove the caliper mouting bolts but you'll want to use a string or piece of wire to suspend it so there is no pressure on the hose.....it may crack or break if you don't. To open up the space between the pads just use a lever (long punch, pry bar or a large screw driver) if you don't have the proper tool.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: La Grange IL
done that
I know how to work on brakes, I cannot get one of the pistons to push back into the caliper. I want to take off the caliper to check to see if it is frozen or can be rebuilt.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you have the OEM rubber brake lines, you can get a clamp to pinch the hose to keep fluid from draining. Then remove the bolt that holds the end of the line to the caliper.
If the piston has come out of the bore, it should go back in fairly easily once the fluid has drained out (remove the bleeder screw and let the fluid drain). You may have to remove the seal to get the piston to slide back in. If so, then you should replace the seal. Caliper repair kits are available that include new seals.
When you have repaired or replaced the caliper, you will need new copper crush washers to attach the brake line fitting to the caliper. Do not re-use the old washers. Then bleed that caliper as usual.
If the piston has come out of the bore, it should go back in fairly easily once the fluid has drained out (remove the bleeder screw and let the fluid drain). You may have to remove the seal to get the piston to slide back in. If so, then you should replace the seal. Caliper repair kits are available that include new seals.
When you have repaired or replaced the caliper, you will need new copper crush washers to attach the brake line fitting to the caliper. Do not re-use the old washers. Then bleed that caliper as usual.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
the fluid will drain out if you take it off. try opening the bleeder screw and putting a hose on it and use a large pair of slip joint pliers with a small piece of aluminum or maybe a paint stick to keep from messing up the pistons. Just squeeze them back in. be aware that the fluid will come out of the hose and is the greatest paint remover ever sold.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: La Grange IL
thanks for the info C4 cruiser and coupeguy
I was able to remove the speed bleeder and get the piston back in the caliper. THe new HPS pads are on and I will be getting the car moving in the next week. Thanks for the sunday morning information.
