Caliper, Disc Brake, Rear: Disassembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and 2013 Chrysler 200. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Before disassembling the brake caliper, remove it from the vehicle. Refer to CALIPER, DISC BRAKE, REAR, REMOVAL .

NOTE:

Before disassembling the brake caliper, clean and inspect it. Refer to INSPECTION and CLEANING .

Fig 1: Snap Ring Removal

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

With finger tip, trace around the outside perimeter of the piston dust boot to find the ends of the boot snap-ring.
Using a small screwdriver (2) or like tool, carefully remove the boot snap-ring (1) making sure not to damage the dust boot, piston or piston bore.
Carefully pull the piston dust boot away from the caliper boot groove.
WARNING:
Under no condition should high pressure air ever be used to remove a piston from a caliper bore. Personal injury could result from such a practice.

CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force when clamping caliper in vise. Excessive vise pressure will cause bore distortion.

Fig 2: Piston Removal
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
Mount the caliper in a vise equipped with protective jaws.
WARNING:
Do not place face or hands near caliper and piston if using compressed air pressure to remove piston. Do not use high pressure.
Place a wooden block (2) in the caliper as shown in illustration.
As necessary, apply low pressure compressed air to the caliper fluid inlet in short spurts to force the piston (1) out.
Remove the piston (with dust boot) from the caliper.
Remove the dust boot from the piston and discard it.

Fig 3: Seal Removal
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

CAUTION:
Do not use a screw driver or other metal tool for seal removal. Using such tools can scratch the bore or leave burrs on the seal groove edges.
Using a soft tool such as a plastic trim stick (2), work the piston seal (1) out of its groove (3) in the caliper piston bore. Discard the used seal.
Clean the piston bore and drilled passage ways with alcohol or a suitable solvent. Wipe it dry using only a lint-free cloth.
Inspect both the piston and bore for scoring or pitting. Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usually be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion using crocus cloth.