How to Rebuild a Caliper: Subaru Forester Detailed Procedure

[@JohnHoranzy]

Dec 2019 front brake calipers on Amazon: $38. Free shipping. I think my 16 year old Subby. deserves new caclipers. Thank you for posting so now I do not feel bad for spending the money. Like other posters mentioned, protect your eyes and lungs.

[@MrLukealbanese]

In the UK, rather than use brake fluid during the rebuild we use a Castrol product known as Red Rubber Grease, made especially for this purpose. Its advantage is that it really protects the seal seats, and also you don't get covered in brake fluid.

[@yessure5291]

I have used it in Canada as well.

[@bobproxmire3637]

An excellent suggestion. I was a bit dismayed at all the brake fluid flowing everywhere, what a mess . This is also available in America as well, I would recommend this as it isn't just grease but also protects the rubber from degrading over time with antioxidants.

[@bhaure]

also prevents ruining any nice painted calipers

[@VideoNOLA]

So many contradictions here: "Don't scratch the inside of the piston cup." (Proceeds to media blast it, then recommends a wire wheel.) "This rebuild will help prevent rust." (Proceeds to remove rust-inhibiting coating and does not repaint.) "A metal pick might puncture the seal." (Proceeds to use a metal pick.) "A rebuild only costs $35 per side." (Ignores pitting that leads to premature rusting, possible contaminant build-up, and early failure and replacement.) "Only use brake fluid for this." (Leaves brake fluid can open so it wicks moisture from the air.) Not sold on this procedure, good as it looks to the untrained eye.

[@scottie0112]

VideoNOLA he did specify a BRASS wire wheel so as not to scratch it.

[@39knights]

Nice video. As others said it would be nice to paint the caliper with caliper paint. You will have a short career if you keep using the sprays and compressed air without eye protection.

[@bujo2k6]

awesome instructions, worked like a charm on my aus 09 outback

[@sandymarshfoot-travelingho2328]

Thank you sir !! Im embarking on building mine this week. I'm a 59 yr old farm girl...but you made it seem fairly easy.. And I have all the parts...even a wire tool on my dremmel. Hehehe...yeah😅

[@leighperkins5189]

Great explanation guys, helped me understand exactly how calipers work. Thanks for the effort!!!

[@EVZebra]

Use a G-Clamp and a piece of wood, open the reservoir under the hood first so the fluid can go back up again, if you have been topping up as it was going down from pad wear then the brake fluid will run down the engine bay so watch out for that and if it spills, put the reservoir cap back on immediately and wash the engine bay down immediately with water from a garden hose try jetting the area to get the brake fluid off or the paint will peel off.

[@bobproxmire3637]

@@EVZebra the calipers are compressed when rebuilding them so the fluid will replace the air when the system is purged of air. having said that i agree, if you only plan to compress the calipers and not rebuild them it is a very good idea to leave the cap off and watch the level, :)

[@dhollm]

Thanks for all the details

[@antontk2531]

What about metal ring, which fixes rubber part in place?

[@EVZebra]

Sand blasting those nicely polished bores will roughen them up and depending on the size of the grit and the air velocity could cause a leak, I would rather just replace the seals and put the new pistons in because the first drive down the road and the outside will be dirty again anyway and the caliper may even be leaking too.

[@bobproxmire3637]

Media Blasting uses glass beads, they remove rust but not material. Note of note media material was spilled on the dock one day before I arrived and had not been informed or warned about the spill. I took one step on it and the scene was like a cartoon character on marbles. very funny actually until i hit the ground. ugh

[@gbsk12]

I got a small rubber round piece 1/4" in diameter. with my rebuild kit. I only have one piston in each caliper though. It is solid so it looks like it covers something. What is that for? Thanks. Nice video.

[@yessure5291]

I do not have an air compressor at home to blast the pistons out -- but I can remove the brake pads with the caliper still installed on the car -- then slowly pump the brake pedal and the strong hydraulic pressure will force the pistons out. I don't think the square piston seal 'rolls' I do not agree with putting the caliper into the 'media' blaster because there is too much chance of scratching the piston bore surface. 12:25 DO NOT USE A PICK !! TO ADJUST THE SEAL - USE YOUR FINGERS !!! 14:42 NOT THE PICK AGAIN !!! GOODNESS THAT IS AMATEUR 15:42 NOT THE PICK AGAIN !!! This caliper will be a rusty one shortly unless it is painted with the proper spray paint the choice is not "or you can paint it"

[@bobproxmire3637]

He is correct regarding the square seal, it does indeed roll a bit (just a bit) when braking and then rolls back when not. This is not a significant amount of movement unless they get old and hard (as rubber does) then the pad can be stuck pressed against the rotor causing loss of power and worse warping of the rotors.

[@rambo6977]

Great video. Where did you get that rebuild kit with pistons?

[@lamborghinicorvette]

Ryan Adams O'Reillys sells the pistons and seals.

[@kayodetitus5252]

Jordan Horwitz I didn't catch the part numbers. could you post??

[@scottfirman]

I did one caliper rebuild in my life. It failed. The thing leaked because I tryed reusing the piston like you mentioned. If the piston is rusty, its done. Period. For the amount of work, its better just to spend the extra money and buy rebuilt calipers. How much money do you save if it leaks after you are done, then have to STILL replace the caliper. I have done hundreds of brake jobs and I will NEVER recommend rebuilding your own calipers to ANY ONE.

[@i.k.562]

didn't see a stopper ring that holds the dust boot was there any?

[@lamborghinicorvette]

No stopper ring. Just a tidious process of getting the piston and boot in, all in one motion

[@i.k.562]

is it a regular dust boot? which goes along with the wire ring? isn't the piston gonna pull it out? yesterday i rebuilt my front right brake caliper, enjoyed a lot pushing damn thing in the place i wish i could be sure it doesn't need those rings

[@robertstan5505]

what sort of cleaner u used, please? that coming from the tap. wos it white spirit?

[@alfredojarillo3146]

robert stan safety kleen

[@variousvisfineart]

Did you hear about the guy that was addicted to drinking brake fluid? He said, "I can stop any time I want."

[@MrDuggski]

I didn't get through the video because he was doing soooo many things wrong. Instead of sandblasting the cylinder you can buy a caliper hone and hone the cylinders. Much better, easier, cleaner, and less likely to damage the cylinder. When blowing out the piston, just put the outer shoe back on the caliper and shoot the air in. I've done it hundreds of times and its not dangerous and take only seconds. The other thing to consider is this guy has all the shop tools most DYIers don't have a parts cleaner.

[@wildrootsfarm1975]

Well done.

[@gersonpineda9768]

Cool 😎

[@crybabyclassic]

Great vid, very helpsfull and informational! but i think this dude takes too much adderall lol

[@jeffwason]

Re-assembly begins at 10:48

[@kiddiescripterkiller]

Easier just to buy new calipers... my time is worth more than trying to save 54.00... cheap new ones are only $89.00

[@TheOriginalUberGoober]

At 6:00 you can see first hand a total idiot who doesn’t mind being blind for the rest of his life. And then I see it over and over again with the air blowing as well. Why bother wearing gloves bro you obviously just don’t care lol

[@gbsk12]

I got a small rubber round piece 1/4" in diameter. with my rebuild kit. I only have one piston in each caliper though. It is solid so it looks like it covers something. What is that for? Thanks. Nice video.