Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
OilSpot Offline OP
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
Have a '94 chevy lumina 3.1 sedan i think we need to start thinking about changing the rear brakes and rotors on. The trick is (and i remember this once before) once the rear calipers were relieved of their old shoes, i could not compress the piston back IN, so that that new shoes would fit over the rotor. At the time, rear calipers were fairly expensive and this was a fairly new car. NOW, rear calipers costs about 30 bucks a peice with a core.

Objective: I dont WANT to go replacing the rear calipers again. Do i have to releive the caliper of brake fluid before the piston goes back in?


Hints and tips are apreciated.

Last edited by OilSpot; 06/25/11 06:05 PM.

In my shop, quality is a standard, NOT and option.
World's Greatest
 
Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
"The World's Best Chevrolet Club"
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 596
Oil Can Mechanic
Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 596
Originally Posted by OilSpot
Have a '94 chevy lumina 3.1 sedan i think we need to start thinking about changing the rear brakes and rotors on. The trick is (and i remember this once before) once the rear calipers were relieved of their old shoes, i could not compress the piston back IN, so that that new shoes would fit over the rotor. At the time, rear calipers were fairly expensive and this was a fairly new car. NOW, rear calipers costs about 30 bucks a peice with a core.

Objective: I dont WANT to go replacing the rear calipers again. Do i have to releive the caliper of brake fluid before the piston goes back in? Hints and tips are apreciated.

Did you try a large C-clamp and an old pad to push it back in? If that doesn't work, put a hose on the bleed valve running to a can or jar. Open the valve and try again with the C-clamp. But really, the clamp should force the fluid back up into the master cylinder.

Of course, if you have topped off the master to compensate for the amount that is filling the wheel cylinders because of the worn pads, it will overflow the master. You can remove some fluid by slowly inserting a paper towel and pulling it back out loaded with fluid. Be careful to not drip it on any painted surfaces. Have a drain pan right next to (or under if possible) the cylinder to put it into. Clean up any that you spill right away.



Richard
Waverly, IA
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,194
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,194
They make a special tool that allows you to turn the piston in. Don

Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
the tool you need is not very costly at most auto suppliers. to use it you push in on the tool while turning it,there is a bolt inside the caliper and the head must be pushed into the internal socket ,this will retract the piston. AL

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828
Likes: 6
You will also want to make sure the caliper slides are free, it was very common for them to stick. We had a tool kit to press them out and clean the bore then install new seals.


Dens Chevys 1927 Speedster 1928 coupe 1941street rod 1947Fleetline 4 door 1949 1/2 ton Pickup (sold) 1954 210 4 door 1972 Monte Carlo 2003 Corvette convt..
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294
ChatMaster - 1,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294
In other words, the piston must turn as it goes in? I think this has something to do with the emergency brake.

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
OilSpot Offline OP
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
I was told that only the dealer has this tool to retract the rear caliper piston.


In my shop, quality is a standard, NOT and option.
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
the tool is available at any tool supply, it is a square with pins on all sides for other makes and fits 3/8s drive ratchets.AL

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
OilSpot Offline OP
Oil Can Mechanic
OP Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 648
so THATS what the box is i see at sears...damn...how simple!


In my shop, quality is a standard, NOT and option.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 583
Likes: 1
Oil Can Mechanic
Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 583
Likes: 1
Harbor Freight sells the caliper tool you need.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

Its cheap, easy to use and makes quick work of them. Those W-body rear calipers usually freeze up though. Make sure you lube all the parts you need to lube with good grease and make sure the e-brake cables are free & working. That's what keeps those rears adjusted if I recall. Good luck!


-Daryl Scott #45848
1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Sportmaster Sedan
1976 Chevrolet C20 Fleetside






Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5