I'm attempting to change my rear pads. I can manage to turn the pistons back in with a needle nose, but the rubber boots (seals?) are sticking and twisting to the point where they will rip if I turn the pistons anymore. I take it this is not how it should be. the pistons themselves are not sticking, nor is the e brake.
there are two ends to the rubber boots - one seals around the piston and the other to the caliper body. both appear to be stuck in place - the piston side should be loose, right? so that the piston can rotate freely inside the boot? what about the other end? any tricks to free these up without damaging them? thanks!

 

Sounds like your caliper is seized up, they have rebuild kits, but I would just get a cheap lifetime caliper complete. Saw a rebuild kit on fleabay yesterday...$25 or so.

 

I don't think the calipers are seized - the brakes work fine and I can turn the pistons. its just the rubber boots aren't cooperating. I'd rather free up the boots and reuse them if I can. otherwise I'll get new calipers. I don't trust my ability to rebuild them.

 

use wd 40 to losen them up

 

Why are you twisting the piston back in anyway? There is a special tool you can buy for about $9.00 at Autozone that is designed to fit inside the caliper and screw/press the piston back into place. If the piston boot has gotten overheated it may have gotten stuck to the piston and it will be fine as long as you haven't already torn the boot by twisting.

As long at the piston isn't seized or stuck, you should be able to reuse the caliper. Good luck.


**** I tried to delete my reply, but it wouldn't let me. After I posted this, I found this link that explains replacing the rear brakes in detail:

http://webpages.charter.net/chunger/Rearbrakes.htm

Sorry, I figured the fronts and rear brakes were the same. good luck with getting the boot unstuck. Now I have more info for when I go to check mine in the spring.

Ted, Chicago

 

^Umm you arent making much sense. You asked why he is twisting them back in and then you tell him to twist them back in?

 

I meant using a standard caliper tool, but I didn't know you needed a special tool to actually turn the piston -- read my amended reply.

 

Or use a few drops of brake fluid. Gently loosen the boot from around the piston and apply a few drops of brake fluid or WD-40. It will slide nicely once you get it going.

 

Like was said above just loosen the boot carefully from around the end of the piston until it moves freely. It should rotate around the piston and not turn with the piston when you are turning it back in.