RE: Rebuilding calipers

["Brian Shorey" <bshorey@domain.elided>]

<snip>
> When you split the caliper, you will discover an inlet and an outlet
for the
> brake fluid on one half, and an inlet, outlet, and the main fluid "in"
port on
> the other half.  Start with either half.  Using a c-clamp and one of
your
> brake pads, put the smoothest side of the pad against one of the fluid
holes,
> blocking air escape.  Wrap a rag tightly around the caliper, creating
a catch
> for the piston.  Using your air compressor nozzle (preferably with a
rubber
> tip to create a good seal), force air into the open port.  The air
pressure
> will push the piston out into the rag.  Be sure to wear 
<snip>

Excellent write-up Greg.

One alternative I'd like to mention is that when I've done calipers in
the past (it's been a while), I've found it easier to blow the pistons
out before splitting the caliper.

You can put a small piece of wood where the brake pads go, and keep the
first piston that pops loose from coming completely out before the other
one pops loose.  It's something to try that might simplify your
procedure.

I agree with everything else.

One additional tip, if you have access you might want to sand blast any
rust off the caliper before taking it apart.  After you've cleaned and
rebuilt the thing, you don't want to get any abrasives anywhere close to
it, regardless of how well you plug the holes.

HTH,

bs
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