Brake Caliper: Removal
- Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, then no brake fluid needs to be removed from reservoir before proceeding. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum full point and the minimum allowable level, then remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
- Raise the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Hand tighten 2 wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor to the hub.
- Push the piston into the caliper bore in order to provide clearance between the linings and the rotor:
- Install a large C-clamp over the top of the caliper housing and against the back of the outboard pad. See Fig 1.
- Slowly tighten the C-clamp until the piston is pushed into the caliper bore far enough to slide the caliper assembly off the rotor.
- Remove the brake hose to caliper bolt. See Fig 2. Remove and discard the 2 copper brake washers. Plug the caliper housing and brake hose in order to prevent fluid loss and contamination. The cover on the bleeder will work as a plug in the caliper.
- Remove the brake caliper bolts. It may be necessary to use a wrench in order to hold the brake caliper pin from rotating.
- Remove the 2 guide pins from the caliper mounting bracket. See Figure. Inspect the boots for cuts or nicks that would allow contamination to enter the caliper mounting bracket. Inspect the guide pins and caliper mounting bracket for corrosion.NOTE: DO NOT attempt to polish away corrosion.
- If the guide pin boots are damaged or the guide pins and caliper mounting bracket show signs of corrosion replace with NEW parts.