Rear Caliper Piston

CapitalTruck · March 29, 2009

Just got finished putting new e-brake shoes/brake pads on the back of my 1500 (drum in hat e-brake, what a peach). On one of the calipers (Left Rear) the piston didn't return flush with the body of the brake caliper. It went in far enough to allow me to put new pads in, but not flush. I couldn't remember if that happened on the other rear caliper or not (I had already done the other one by this time and reinstalled everything), but it seems like I would have remembered that. Should I change out the caliper?

CapitalTruck · April 1, 2009

Well, I guess I'm going to just leave the caliper on there since it spread wide enough to put the new pads in. Hope it continues to work out.

Bmart · April 1, 2009

i did mine today too, same thing.. i used a c clamp to get it flush though.

CapitalTruck · April 1, 2009

i did mine today too, same thing.. i used a c clamp to get it flush though.

Did you really have to torque the hell out of it to get it to go in?

dlewis1111 · April 1, 2009

Just got finished putting new e-brake shoes/brake pads on the back of my 1500 (drum in hat e-brake, what a peach). On one of the calipers (Left Rear) the piston didn't return flush with the body of the brake caliper. It went in far enough to allow me to put new pads in, but not flush. I couldn't remember if that happened on the other rear caliper or not (I had already done the other one by this time and reinstalled everything), but it seems like I would have remembered that. Should I change out the caliper?

Did you allow your system a chance to releive hydraulic pressure created from compressing the calipers? Brake fluid does not compress and must go somewhere (usually back to the master cylinder). the old way was to take off the master cyl cap to remove any back pressure from the fluid going back, but with newer stuff..... Also, some rear calipers do not compress, the actually screw in. Not sure if yours do this but check it out.

Bmart · April 1, 2009

Did you really have to torque the hell out of it to get it to go in?

it was tight, but no i wouldn't say i had to torque the hell out of it. But if its close to flush and you could turn your wheel somewhat freely, i think you'll be ok. I also ran it through a parts cleaner, which may have un seized it for me, it was very tight after pulling it off the truck, i wouldn't be surprised if it was locked halfway on.

Did you allow your system a chance to releive hydraulic pressure created from compressing the calipers? Brake fluid does not compress and must go somewhere (usually back to the master cylinder). the old way was to take off the master cyl cap to remove any back pressure from the fluid going back, but with newer stuff..... Also, some rear calipers do not compress, the actually screw in. Not sure if yours do this but check it out.

they compress, no screwing.

CapitalTruck · April 3, 2009

Here's a little additional info...there was a slight essence of burned brake when I starting digging into the brake (flipping the caliper up, etc.). I might just change it out for the hell of it to relieve my OCD mind. Also, I think I got the ebrakes a little too tight (turning that little adjuster wheel thing). The pedal only goes about halfway to the floor. (but on the other hand, maybe it's better that it is tighter now)

CapitalTruck · April 4, 2009

Just talked to Pat Goss on the radio, he said they should be fine. If anybody wants a good car talk radio show, www.wjfk.com Sat. from 11-1, Goss is pretty good (though he sure loves BG stuff).