Stuck Brake pistons

Hey all,,,,rebuilding my brake calipers (thanks to Chacal's speedy delivery =) )but am having trouble getting the pistons out. Any advice?

Thanks =)

 

Take them off the fork one at a time and use the brake handle to pump out the piston for one of them. Rebuild, install, bleed, take off the other and do it again.

 

Compressed air with a blow gun will work. Remove the caliper from the bike. Blow air into the brake line hole besure to make a tight seal. Use a thin pice of wood to protect the piston as in will pop out the caliper with great force. If you do not have compressed air a grease gun will work. Just pump grease in though the open bleed screw and plug the hole for the brake line.

 

I have used compressed air successfully but one was so stuck I had to use a grease gun. That worked like a champ and is the safest method but makes a big mess of grease. If you use compressed air make sure you stuff a rag into the caliper to cushion the piston when (and if) it comes blasting out (watch your finger(s).

 

I've used compressed air with great success. like the guys said above though watch your fingers the piston will come out like a rocket! If you don't have a blow gun, I use an old tire valve stem. Works perfect

 

OK guys....I just got done putting the brake system back on the bike to try using the mc to push out the piston but it did not work....I don't have a grease gun or an air compressor (can't tell I just started getting tools can you? lol) so any other ideas? or should I just bite the bullet and get a grease gun?

 

If you're going to buy anything buy a little compressor with a blow gun. It'll be worth it's weight in gold next time you clean your carbs :wink:

 

I've used a plug in tire inflator, I've done it 4 times to different bikes and it always works - They run about $10 -20 at wal mart or canadian tire etc

 

link
do not read this post, do not try this, this mans a fool i tell ya

but it does work

 

Hey step 1 of the 12 steps - admit you have a problem

 

I used a propane torch and giant vice grips, ruined the piston but the caliper is fine. TRIED compressed air and grease to no avail. Maybe I shoulda tried Polock's method, but in my garage... I'd have a new skylight and still need a piston.

 

Was this another Kroil failer, Fitz?

 

avengingllama,

You may still have air in your b-lines. Bleed them & try again. Mine were really stuck & air would not budge the pistons. the b-fluid built up enought force, via the m/c and it worked!

be VERY carefull using compressed air; keep your fingers/body clear of that piston as it could do some serious damage if it hits you.

 

Ace.....You have mentionted the one tool I already have =)
Polock...that does look like the kind of craziness that I would attempt in an "inspired" (aka....desperate) state
Think I may try that in the next couple of days after rebleeding and pumping the brake lines (air compressor, not steam ) Thanks for the suggestions, I know one of you guys will have the answer and I will send a SHINY new quarter to whoever it is. And I work for a vending company, so I can get shiny quarters .....lol