A brake caliper piston can be tricky to replace and requires special tools. If it’s not replaced correctly, you could end up with a vehicle that doesn’t stop properly. This is why you should consider these steps before replacing the piston.
You can get a brake caliper piston back in by following these steps:
- Remove the caliper by prying it off with a screwdriver or using a lever.
- Once the caliper is removed, you can replace the piston.
If you are just starting out, you might not know where this part is located or how it works overall. In this article, we will go over the brake caliper piston and how to replace it!
What is The Brake Caliper Piston?
Before you can know how to get your brake caliper piston back in, you need to know what it is and understand its function.
The brake caliper piston is a small metal rod that connects the brake caliper to the brake pad. It’s a crucial part of the braking system, as it allows the brakes to apply pressure on the wheel.
The piston is made of metal, and it’s usually attached to the brake caliper with a bolt. If you notice that your vehicle has been making strange noises and you can’t stop, it may be time for you to replace this part.
How to Replace the Brake Caliper Piston
Once the pistons are out and you have done what you needed to do, you will need to put them back in your vehicle.
Follow these steps:
- Gather your materials. If you have a shop that can do this for you, great! If not, you will need a small hammer and rubber mallet.
- Use your small hammer and tap on each shoe with a rubber mallet until it’s loose.
- Remove the spring from each of the shoes.
- Use your extractor and socket wrench to remove each piston pin or clip from their respective holes.
- Pull out each one at an angle and let them fall into your hand as you work your way around each side of the caliper assembly.
- Undo the caliper bolts.
- Remove the brake pads.
- Remove the brake fluid reservoir (this will make it easier to reach the piston).
- Loosen the caliper piston bolt on both sides of the caliper.
- If you need to, loosen or remove the parking brake cable to get more leverage.
- Once loosened, use a pry bar to push the piston back in and out of its slot while pushing down on top of it.
These steps should allow you to easily work the brake caliper piston back into place.
When to Replace the Brake Caliper Piston
If the caliper piston repair costs more than $500, it’s time to replace the brake caliper piston.
Other signs that a new brake caliper piston should be installed include:
- Vehicle pulling to one side when braking
- Discoloration of brake fluid
- Calipers not releasing properly
- A pulsating brake pedal
The brake caliper piston replacement is a straightforward process, but it’s important to remember that this task requires basic mechanical skills and tools. Patience will go a long way in the success of your project.
When Not to Replace the Brake Caliper Piston
Now that you know when to replace your brake caliper piston, you may be wondering when isn;t a good time to.
Make sure the brake caliper piston is not sticking before replacing it. If the piston is sticking, it can cause a whole bunch of problems with your brakes and other parts.
If the piston is stuck, there are two ways to get it out without causing more damage:
- You can try and use a press tool to pry the piston up
- You can use a jack and press tool to get the piston out
If you decide to use a press tool, make sure that you have a good set of brake caliper repair tools. These tools are also helpful for other repairs on the car. If you decide to use the jack and press tools, ensure that you have a good set of jack stands and safety equipment.
Conclusion
The brake caliper piston is the part that pushes the brake pads against the brake rotor and makes the brakes work. It’s a small, hard metal piston-like part attached to the caliper by a hinge.
A brake caliper piston can get stuck in the open position, making the brakes unable to work correctly. If you have a car with brakes stuck in this position, you will need to replace the brake caliper piston.
The key to replacing the brake caliper piston depends on when it got stuck. If it happened recently, then you probably need to replace it. If it happened a while ago, then you might not need to replace it yet.