Hi
This is how I did it (Vitesse). Maybe not the correct procedure, but it
works ...
Before you start, wash your hands and (no joke) check, even file your nails
a bit :-). Everything must be 100% clean and dry. I4ll do this in my living
room, telling my wife that the brakes must be good, for her security. That
works!
First, be sure that the seal grooves in the caliper and at the piston are
100% clean. The piston grooves are often damaged (by people using the wrong
tools when pushing back). If so, open the grooves carefully with a
screwdriver and smooth with emery paper. Clean it all!
Then try to fit the piston gently without any seals. If the piston fits ok,
install the inner seal, lubricated with brake fluid (or the very special
"brake grease"). Again, try to fit the piston. If it still is a good fit,
take out the piston and mount the outer seal (lubricate!).
Try placing the piston on top of the outer seal, pull the seal "collar" 1-2
cm up around the pistson with at small wooden hook (or another soft, smooth
round "tool"). Then gently push the piston into the caliper, by placing some
kind of tool over the piston and push carefully with both hands. If the
piston won4t move at all, recheck that the seal is a good fit in the outer
groove, repeat the procedsure. Then push again - be SURE that the piston
goes in straight.
Then, suddenly the piston should slide in, and with some care you should be
able to place the outer end of the front seal in the piston groove. This is
quite easy when the piston is in the lower position.
That4s it!
Good luck
Jan, Norway
Blue Mk1 Vitesse
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have an annoying problem - I seem totally unable to re-insert my brake
> pistons into the calipers without damaging the piston seal. Does anyone
> have any handy hints? The reason for the overhaul was that I noticed
> there was an outer seal missing on my left caliper and I decided to
> check out the right side which had no outer seals <sigh>... anyway,
> wanted then to check that the pistons were not corroded (one was). Now
> cannot get the blasted thing reassembled <grrrrr>. I have tried
> smearing a generous amount of brake fluid over the seal and the piston
> before re-insertion, but still have no joy - I always seem to 'pinch'
> the seal. I have called my local garage and they will install them for
> a very reasonable price - however I am a bit narked that I am unable to
> do this procedure by myself. Any advice would be gratefully received.
>
> BTW I am not exactly the most mechanically able person in the world and
> this is simply my hobby car - so if you think it's best for the garge to
> handle this then please say so [;)]
>
> Cheers!
>
> Scotty
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