Nice to see that Barry agreed with me about the grease gun--it's the most
reliable and gentle approach. I use grease under pressure for a lot of weird
disassembly challenges because it can make up for bad seals, etc. and as
soon as the parts brake loose the motion stops--not so with air.
My other big trick for removing blind parts (like bushings) is a closely
fitting shaft and oil-soaked toilet paper. You stuff the toilet paper in
with the shaft and tap on it. Lather, rinse and repeat until the bushing
comes out. I think I learned that one from Greg Solow, though he says to use
water soaked toilet tissue. The oil is messier but seems more reliable.
-----Original Message-----
From: Barr, Scott [mailto:sbarr@mccarty-law.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 5:53 AM
To: Brad Kahler
Cc: Bill Babcock
Subject: RE: [FOT] removing pistons from calipers
Hi Brad,
When I've had that problem (one piston out, the other stuck), I've had to
split the caliper to use the passage between the caliper halves to stick a
rubber-ended air nozzle into. When I've done this, I've wrapped the caliper
up in a towel (a couple of layers) to catch the fluid spray and puck and
I've worn a face shield (body armor would be good, too -- have you ever
played catcher or been an off-road cyclist?).
Peter Egan actually wrote his R&T column on this point a few months ago.
Scott
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Bill Babcock
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 9:42 PM
To: 'Brad Kahler'; fot@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: [FOT] removing pistons from calipers
Compressed air works fine, if a bit explosively, or you can use hydraulic
pressure or a grease gun
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-fot@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Brad Kahler
> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 6:05 PM
> To: fot@autox.team.net
> Subject: [FOT] removing pistons from calipers
>
> Amici,
>
> I've been trying to resurrect a pair of girling brake calipers. The
> vehicle had sat for about 5 years and now the pistons are froze in the
> bores. I've managed to get one piston out but now have run out of
> ideas on how to remove the other one. Same goes with the other
> caliper I'm sure I can get one out but not the other one.
>
> I don't mind ruining the pistons if need be since they need to be
> replaced anyway.
>
> So what tips or tricks do you have for removing a single stuck piston
> from a caliper?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brad
> 1957 TR3A vintage racer
>
>
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