Any tips for cleaning a brake caliper cylinder

Robti · 16th June 2016, 15:06

Hi all, I have a sticky front piston and what I usually do on other cars is 3/4 pop it out and give it a clean, see how bad the corrosion is and either renew or push it back in.

So any tips on removing the dust cover or getting the piston out ( usually leave a pad in place and pump brakes) ?

Thanks

RogerHeinz57 · 16th June 2016, 15:16

For me, I would clean off all the visible crud first, then have plenty of brake fluid ready in a jar and a feeler gauge set at the ready.
Soak the seal lip liberally using a brush, use one of the gauge blades, carefully insert between the seal and piston and work it round the non-visible area feeling for any corrosion, whilst doing this add some more brake fluid to the area to get the debris into liquid form. Once completed, I would then spray copious amounts of brake cleaner to displace the liquid/debris and empty out what you can. After completing this a few times and dried, a small amount of wd40 or similar sprayed into the chamber past the seal will help.
Put the car on trial to ascertain a good fix, assuming it isn't good news, Holland314 sells used caliper sets on here which are usually quite serviceable.

Hope this helps.
JohnH.

DMGRS · 16th June 2016, 22:34

I've popped the piston out on the 75 / ZT with no issues - just cleaned it up and put it back. Never had an issue since!

Robti · 17th June 2016, 08:19

Thanks for the helpful replies, just waiting for the rain to stop and get started

Robti · 17th June 2016, 11:43

Thanks all, just an update Pistons too far gone and dust boots burst, so rebuild kit ordered, so just cleaned it up and had to put the new pads in as there was nothing left of the old ones.

So looks like a full overhaul next week when the kit arrives

16th June 2016, 15:06	#1
Robti Posted a thing or two MG ZT-T 190+,Rover 800 vitesse coupe Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Hamilton Posts: 1,969 Thanks: 616 Thanked 228 Times in 210 Posts	Any tips for cleaning a brake caliper cylinder Hi all, I have a sticky front piston and what I usually do on other cars is 3/4 pop it out and give it a clean, see how bad the corrosion is and either renew or push it back in. So any tips on removing the dust cover or getting the piston out ( usually leave a pad in place and pump brakes) ? Thanks __________________ Robert

16th June 2016, 22:34	#3
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,320 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	I've popped the piston out on the 75 / ZT with no issues - just cleaned it up and put it back. Never had an issue since! __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

17th June 2016, 08:19	#4
Robti Posted a thing or two MG ZT-T 190+,Rover 800 vitesse coupe Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Hamilton Posts: 1,969 Thanks: 616 Thanked 228 Times in 210 Posts	Thanks for the helpful replies, just waiting for the rain to stop and get started __________________ Robert

17th June 2016, 11:43	#5
Robti Posted a thing or two MG ZT-T 190+,Rover 800 vitesse coupe Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Hamilton Posts: 1,969 Thanks: 616 Thanked 228 Times in 210 Posts	Thanks all, just an update Pistons too far gone and dust boots burst, so rebuild kit ordered, so just cleaned it up and had to put the new pads in as there was nothing left of the old ones. So looks like a full overhaul next week when the kit arrives __________________ Robert

16th June 2016, 15:16	#2
RogerHeinz57 I really should get out more....... A Reasonably Priced Car Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Burton Latimer Posts: 2,530 Thanks: 408 Thanked 1,064 Times in 712 Posts	For me, I would clean off all the visible crud first, then have plenty of brake fluid ready in a jar and a feeler gauge set at the ready. Soak the seal lip liberally using a brush, use one of the gauge blades, carefully insert between the seal and piston and work it round the non-visible area feeling for any corrosion, whilst doing this add some more brake fluid to the area to get the debris into liquid form. Once completed, I would then spray copious amounts of brake cleaner to displace the liquid/debris and empty out what you can. After completing this a few times and dried, a small amount of wd40 or similar sprayed into the chamber past the seal will help. Put the car on trial to ascertain a good fix, assuming it isn't good news, Holland314 sells used caliper sets on here which are usually quite serviceable. Hope this helps. JohnH.