How to Rebuild a Brake Caliper or should you Replace it?

Determine if it's worth while to rebuild vs replace
Caliper Rebuild Kits: amzn.to/3er5duY
sixtyfiveford

[@kccodex8931]

Penguins having car trouble, goes by the shop and the mechanic says it's gonna take about an hour to check it out, why don't you walk across the street, have some lunch, they serve a nice fish and chips? Penguin says, cool, has lunch, comes back, the mechanics got the hood open, looks up says, I can tell you what your problem is right now, it looks like you blew a seal. The Penguin looks indignant, wipes his mouth, and says, Noooo that's just tartar sauce!

[@SkylarHillShop]

Oh to live in a rust free climate! The main reason I replace brake calipers is because the bleeders will no longer open or they break off. A simple brake line replacement turns into a caliper replacement because of a frozen bleeder valve.

[@theEskalaator]

Just bleed the brakes a little when changing tires from summer to winter ones. Bleeder can not rust that much in a few months. Also it helps to have a fresh fluid in the brakes.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Nice job Moe ! Another great video, easy peazy .

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks 👍

[@JCcanU]

I just looked up my seal kit with Pistons 60$ set of 4 pistons 8 seals and 4 boots . a rebuilt caliper 44$ I just ordered the front right . I know the pistons are chipped and cracked , have no idea how, I got the Truck that way . think they had the same trouble as me and used a hammer on the piston . I have Duel pistons on the caliper .

[@apagan65]

Thank you for an awesome and educational video👍

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@jeremysuls5330]

How deep do you need to get the retaining ring? From the video it seems like it's just laying on top

[@shemoezzabdalmooz]

thank you for this useful information

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elebee4048]

Good video but Evry1 please wear gloves brake fluid is nasty stuff

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I've been wrenching on my own junk for almost 20 years and never thought to rebuild the calipers, always just replaced them when they have issues. Thanks for the video! That'll save me some money on the next junk I drag in the shop.

[@JackRR15]

@@_lmagine Damn 30 pound calipers that's nice. Mine are 380$ for one front and 260$ for on rear lol.

[@VeyronBD]

@@_lmagine I did one on a 2003 VW and it was £95 for a refurbished one, definitely worth rebuilding sometimes

[@gloucesterdavid]

Same here. Been wrenching for over 30 years on my own vehicles. This video inspired me to do a rebuild this weekend. Caliper was $130, 3 weeks out. Rebuild kit $8, arrives next day.

[@samiam247]

The one thumbs down is from the guy who only buys tools from the dollar store.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Ha, that's a good one.

[@sfcd4757]

😂😂😂

[@mrbr549]

Your videos are always on point, and you describe things in a manner that's easy to understand. Respect!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad you like them!

[@danielkosiorek3163]

Calipers as high as $200 dollars 😂 It is not uncommon to spend 700+ on a single caliper.

[@howder1951]

Good video, reminds me of someone I knew, would get a quote of over a grand from the service station, whereas getting the parts only cost like eighty bucks back then. It is good sometimes to know a mechanic! cheers and thanks!

[@sixtyfiveford]

There's a lot of money made in the brake repair industry.

[@JDLarge]

Just the thought of how many I’ve swapped as cores... Really could use all that cash now but it is what it is... Between those and cylinders which are just as easy to rebuild… Dang it! Thanks for getting this out there brother, a penny saved!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching.

[@williamholden2385]

what a fantastic job ... on a side note, a few years ago a buddy who was a full time mechanic ... gave up rebuilding calipers because he could not get the cyllynder back in .... you did it in less then one minute ... wow ... thank you

[@SooSmokie]

C clamp works wonders with a little brake fluid.

[@johnnyjimj]

EXACTLY the video I needed to view.... My car is a 29 year old JDM and rear brake caliper for this model are extremely difficult to get, but the seal kit isn't. Great to see it's feasible, although the outside rust is definitely massive and the bleeders were incredibly difficult to remove. As for the cost of the seals it was closer to $20 though and shipping from Japan about the same ;-)

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad you like it. If you can get the bleeder out then generally the rest is pretty easy.

[@SeventyMage4597]

Yeah I’ve been trying to find a rear left one for my 1993 Toyota mr2 and I can’t find any whatsoever as they are all discontinued, I can’t even find any used ones so I’m going to have to rebuild mine and this video is what I needed.

[@sharonhutchison3874]

Dude your video was so well out together. I think it's THE BEST video I've ever watched on how to car repair. Just like that. It was something I hadn't thought of, I didn't know it could even been done. You saved me a ton of money and time. You made my day. Fixing it will be easier than getting a ride to the parts store.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad you liked it!

[@goldwolf0606]

Awesome video dude. Straight to the point, great example of good and bad, good demonstration, and adequate camera shot. A+ the diy amateur mechanics thank you!

[@mboyer68]

A friend told me that sometimes the reason caliper pistons freeze up is that the brake fluid gets hot because the rotors and pads get very hot, and then the fluid gets hot. The fluid breaks down and so does the metal inside and out creates sludge. The sludge sinks to the bottom of the bore due to gravity so it's all under the piston between it and the bottom of the bore. This sludge then freezes up the piston enough so that your brakes stick. Makes sense to me!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Tell me just how metal breaks down - would you please? The fluid is temperature rated: hence codes like DOT4. The main problem with brake fluid is that it's hydroscopic - and, under extreme situations it can boil causing brake fade - if it's old enough then the water molecules can induce corrosion - hence sticking.

[@carlmiller1034]

Another great video! Thanks for making. I have never actually rebuilt one, but now, will consider doing when the time comes! Thanks again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I generally use the piston as my judge. If it's pitted I just replace the entire caliper.

[@thephilosopherstoner]

Mine looks like shit, piston is stuck, sliders are sticky, but ima rebuild it anyway😎 Simply cus i cant get the new brakes anymore :(

[@georgesweap7]

Enjoy your content, good info, I ❤️ your hydraulic lift table, but most of all, I ♥️ how you and Ginger react together!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thank you!

[@tubeonline629]

Good video, I had no idea how easy it is to rebuild a caliper, thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching.

[@chriss4365]

The pros are you still get the oem part vs a garbage chinese part.

[@TheFlacker99]

I never rebuilt a caliper before. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@sixtyfiveford]

I get a kick out of seeing why car parts fail and repairing them if possible.

[@tgtg2945]

Honda/ acura rear xallipers guaranteed to seize. Was changing rear pads every three months, that windback was so tight it was ridiculously painful. Anyway git hold if new piston and seal kit and rebuilt it under hour for the pair. Since tgen sweet brakes and lasting much longer. Job is recommended. Abdvthis vudeo us clear and informative. Thumbs up thanks. Great channel.

[@christopherdearmond4808]

Thank you for the great video ! I too had never thought about rebuilding a caliper. My old beater truck has had problems with the brakes sticking and I was going to replace the calipers but I think I’m going to try this first.

[@michaelshrader5139]

I've never had a front caliper on my GM vehicles leak... they always get stiff as they age and cause the brake pads to start dragging against the rotors. I guess that square rubber o-ring get's hard with age or something? IDK. Mine are starting to do it yet again, think I will try rebuilding them myself this time just to see if that's what the problem is. I guess like so many others, I too never realized just how simple the brake calipers really are.

[@caiobabe]

Great instructional video. No nonsense. Right down to the job. Thank you!

[@almost41632]

Thank you for this tutorial! you helped me save a lot of money and learn a new skill. I had always just swapped them out before.

[@cpoul]

For those who have 2 piston caliper. With compressed air only 1 came out. I had to put that one back in and use a piece of pine and a rag as a stop so 1 wouldn't come all the way out before the other. Just went slowly until the both were almost out. They both then easily wiggled out. 08 Subaru Legacy.

[@strato_5459]

use shims and keep pulling out the shims until both pistons fall out. that way theyre evenly being pushed out

[@gregbetts8057]

if your sliders are rusted , not worth rebuilding either

[@sixtyfiveford]

True, if you can't budge those. Some calipers won't come with sliders though and you have to rebuild with your old stuff.

[@tommygunn2794]

This should be titled how to get skin cancer

[@butler386]

Great demo of fixing the caliper and showing a good one and a bad piston. Thanks for sharing.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching!

[@woodrage1]

I never had a piston go in that easy.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Good video......wish you would have addressed polishing/lubing guide pins. Thanks. Tom P.S. I always enjoy your no BS way of explaining.

[@ebutuoyebutouy]

Yup. I agree. First check for unever pad and rotor wear. Be careful w your choice of lube for slide pin. I use Super Lube w Teflon.

[@peem1244]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqnNZKugatJ5rtE

[@sixtyfiveford]

I did talk about it but I took that info out because there are so many different pin setups between manufactures. I really only know Ford, Chevy and Chrysler off the top of my head.

[@angrywargamer8836]

Thanks for making the video. I live in the rust belt I had the rust go behind the square O ring in and out so eating through the cast iron part. Welcome to the rust belt.

[@2XXEquiz]

Thank you 65Ford. Great illustration on how much we can do ourselves with a little time and effort. Also, you didn't mention when we go out and buy new calipers any Autozone or Pepboys or similar will need you to leave your stock caliper or pay a core fee. In return you get a new yes, but made in china product that may or may not be same quality of your own parts.. for me rebuilding stuff is the best and thanks to videos like yours I learn something new every day. 5 Star video no question about it.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You are right!

[@MikePiesco]

Just bought a car that had the front brake calipers replaced with either aftermarket or rebuilt ones. Either way, after only a few miles, the one is leaking fluid badly. Cleaned it up and it doesn't seem to be coming from the banjo bolt. Haven't gotten it apart yet but was going to do a rebuild like you've shown instead of replacing it again. Any reason why a new/newly rebuilt unit would be leaking so badly? Should I just replace the entire caliper again, or try the rebuild kit? ($5 vs. $55) Thanks!

[@JOEZEP54]

Hey Moe, another 👍video. I had this scheduled for my 2000 blazer but having a difficult time with replacing a vacuum line. I found a bad line & thought "great" 15 minutes at the most LOL. Stay safe, Joe Z

[@total-objective6710]

This video has just saved my sanity. Thank you so much. Awesomeness!!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Another fine video. Thanks. Your dog is smart- takes the easy way if/when he can.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thank you very much!

[@SWells679]

Good video. It's getting harder to get parts for my car these days. So I bought a caliper from a junkyard to rebuild. Thanks for this!

[@sidnum]

Great video. Right to the point with the pertinent information with no frills. More videos need to be like this on KZbin.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heavyprogressive76]

Gaddang! Great video my friend thanks a ton. Adding this to my knowledge!

[@markloren2133]

Thanks for the information. I did the caliper on my Grand Marquis, it's fixed now.but I will not do another one. Tight fit going back together but no leaks. Saved some bucks.thanks again for great video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Right on

[@oliveraidoo7861]

SUPER sweet! Thanks for making such video. I like these kind of stuff. Could you by any chance make a video on how to repair smaller brake calipers? The ones used on electric scooters? Like the nutt hydraulic caliper, or the zoom hydraulic calipers etc?

[@alocin110]

The best best part of this video is 8:35: "It's something that looks like came out of the bottom of an ocean"., Other than that the video is very information and very thorough in rebuilding the kit. Thank you. Keep up the good work. I liked your video.

[@crerus75]

Instead of using brake fluid to lubricate the piston seals when putting the piston back in, try using Castrol red rubber grease (NOT the common red wheel bearing grease). Red rubber grease is a non-petroleum grease that won't attack any of the rubber components in the brake system and will also not mix with/dissolve in brake fluid. It lubricates way better than brake fluid so reassembly is easier and it can help protect the pistons from pitting. I've used it and won't go back to brake fluid.

[@Sir-Kay]

My 21 yr old E46 has 195k km on it and I was thinking it's old then, I heard someone has 328k miles on theirs & I'm like, my car is new!

[@bottmar1]

The easiest way to get the piston out is NOT WITH AIR. Especially if the piston is stiff in the bore or stuck. I don't understand WHY pumping the piston with your brake pedal is not mentioned every time on KZbin. That is the professional way.

[@lashlarue7924]

Bro. Gloves. Or your fingernails will look like mine: twisted, fungal nightmares that don’t adhere to the nail bed. Seriously. Brake fluid is some of the most toxic crap in your whole vehicle. Just look what it does to PAINT(!).

[@LTDan-pk3mx]

Dude.. A buddy of mine bought a caliper for a honda side by side for $400. big ones.. I says What thats crazy & he says Thats all i could do.. I would think one could rebuild this unit? Thanks a Ton for the vid!!

[@sameold5050]

I've thought about doing this because I've had a couple new (rebuilt) calipers that leaked & seized too...not long after they were installed.

[@acrinsd]

Went to Ford yesterday to get a seal kit for a 2017 Expedition, but no luck. The official recommendation is to buy a new caliper for $88 instead of replacing seals for $6.

[@999thenewman]

Nice job. You gave it a second life.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I hope so!

[@ZaneofAustin]

I was on rockauto looking at new calipers (cause the rubber boot was starting to just disintegrate on my HHR) I was looking at like 40 dollar ones but mine still looked fine, then i saw a repair kit, a YT seach later and im here. and i've never been so excited to save 80 bucks

[@paulkaufman4901]

Wow! This could also serve to diagnose if the caliper is causing my issue (soft pedal). This is even going to be fun 😊

[@greenmarine5]

To bad Harley Calipers weren't 200 bucks, minimum 450 for oem

[@lfteri]

Very informative, but I think YT fucked by getting the audio a bit out of sync. I think the audio is a bit quicker.

[@patrickjohnson7801]

That's a good part of it but I think while you're at it might as well replace the slides and rubber cups so they slide nice, A little silicone grease on the caliper and knuckles, replace the slide bolts that have 300,000 miles just saying

[@rodneybrand8521]

Mr. Ford is allways showing everyone the best ways to save money...i definitely appreciate it...I've rebuilt many calipers and some i couldn't or wouldn't when there too far gone you have no choice..thanks again..Cheers friend 🍻🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍👍

[@sixtyfiveford]

I generally swap them if the piston is pitted as that will darn near set you back as the entirely rebuilt one.

[@10223220]

I rebuilt the ones on my 67 mustang and is was easy 👍

[@sixtyfiveford]

I find it enjoyable and easy.

[@joelh3030]

I will be rebuilding my calipers, I want to learn how to fix any part i can before purchasing anything.

[@BugzKiller]

Why did I have white grease on my piston when I took it apart? Isn't there supposed to be some kind of grease in there? Because it wasn't working right that's why I bought the kit there was Grease oozing out of the Dust Boot.

[@1marcelfilms]

I used silicone grease on the rubber and also inside the boot. It should be fine on rubber.

[@kizito8888]

A new brake caliper will cost me a lot of money. I would love to do this but the pistons are seized. I might have a blockage in the brake line because nothing happens when I depress the brake pedal.

[@DavidGilesColorado]

The first time I removed my calipers and was trying to remove the piston add they were roofing a House across the street they had a compressor going I didn't have one at the time so I took the air to push it out and I didn't realize it was going to come out of there like a bullet thank goodness nobody got hit

[@DAS-Videos]

Who knew rebuilding them was that easy. And your anti rust method is working great.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Hey Thanks.

[@rudys5994]

SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN COMPLETE OVERHAUL W/HARDWARE AND PISTON $30 PER CALIPER DO COMPLETE AND RIGT

[@killabarbie4209]

Lol the seal kit for my 14 forester was $35. Ridiculous.

[@ryanh1015]

The the brake caliper has issues of being stuck on occasion, is this a good method kf choice to try before replacement,

[@Stev-j4s]

That snap ring for the dust boot is absolutely not on correctly!

[@crashtestdummie67]

Brake fluid and oil on your skin is a bad idea. The brake fluid will fuck up your joints ...

[@NONAME-kw3pu]

the O ring seal kit is $20 now. new ebay caliper is $55 so...????

[@lornemalvo565]

Thanks a lot. It's Very Helpful.

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

Duude thanks man!!! I think ima have to do this if my piston isnt worn out and r rusted out thanks!

[@capoman1]

7:46 Paint it pink. So everybody knows you got fast stoppin brakes lol.

[@luisnava6670]

GREAT VIDEO. please wear gloves.

[@Akya2120]

One thing I would add, once you've cleaned everything put on clean gloves and reassemble to keep grit out of the calipers. One piece of anything over time will destroy the seals or piston.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Very true. I generally switch to no gloves at all for final assembly on any crucial part. You just can't get the feel from gloved hands where you can feel the tiniest piece of grit bare handed.

[@irisbaez1972]

so much trouble for a new one that cost almost what the kit cost. it doesn't make sense all this trouble.

[@rudys5994]

STILL WAY CHEAPER TO GET ALL NEW PARTS EVEN IF PISTON IS PITTED. AND THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS REBUILD

[@michaelknott9064]

Very informative, detailed. thanks!

[@joshdoeseverything4575]

that looks just like the calipers on my 99 zx2!

[@lulubliz6405]

Take slides apart too. 'Glide' great lube for them.

[@gieblubet7728]

Beauty caliper..what the cars caliper from..??

[@jamescopeland-j9l]

I live in Philippines I wish I could get new pistons here.

[@ourkid2000]

Nice video Moe! How about the calipers with the phenolic pistons? Are there any differences? Can they also be rebuilt this way?

[@rudys5994]

AND DONT FORGET TO FLUSH OUT ALL OLD FLUID TILL YOU SEE CLEAN FLUID SHOWING

[@bbodan5393]

Probably better to retire a piston with score. I didn't see you mention inspecting the bore the piston is housed. I heard (I haven't done mine), acceptable to low grit wet sand. "New" used car, fluid brown, full of water. I wish you should example of slide pins, acceptable/unacceptable. Once and done, original OE. Still dreaming about Brembo fixed pots.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The bore doesn't matter as it's not a sealing surface.

[@bsdguy]

Thx for demystifying this for me....

[@STBRetired1]

How the hell did that piston go back in so easily? I first tried it with brake fluid coated all around like you did - wouldn't go in. I found out about a special grease (Red Rubber grease) that they use when rebuilding such calipers - wouldn't go in. I've seen on other videos that the piston goes in so easily for everyone - but me. I've used a giant "C" clamp and even bent a piece on my caliper tools set trying to squeeze that damn piston in. I'm about ready to go buy some rebuilt calipers for $ 35 each.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You need to compress your seal to get it past the lip/ridge.

[@Alex-sq5zr]

I started hearing a thudding when I drive. Mechanic told me my piston is shaking up and down with every rotation. Could this be a worn out seal?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Your caliper could be moving and or your brake pads themselves; not your piston.

[@ferguitar14]

Where do they sell caliper pistons?

[@theaxsys21]

I watched because it's good information, but I was hoping you covered siezed slide pins. I bopped one into working but the other was siezed. Got it out but the bushing and boot took most of the force, luckily they sell them. Is siezed slide pins a deal breaker? Currently waiting on my boots and bushings to see myself.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Generally they can be cleaned up, greased and reinstalled. As long as there isn't a ton of side to side slope they're fine. Especially if only one was bad.

[@salm8990]

lol all i needed to hear was at 1:13 thanks my man. awesome video.

[@markdahlhoff1674]

Would you recommend the same with Ford's rear calipers with parking brake mechanism? Not as simple as the front calipers. Ford's service manual recommends just replacing the caliper if there are leaks. Sad that they do not provide direction to overhaul the caliper.

[@sixtyfiveford]

If you can find a kit I feel you can rebuild as well as a 12yr old in a third world country can.

[@vihreelinja4743]

I guess my seal is too thick since my piston just will not go in

[@mechris7973]

Toyota sells a Lithium soap based grease "Red grease" that I use to lightly lube the new ring, piston and dist cover. works perfect for ALL calipers

[@STBRetired1]

Gotta be careful because there are several regular greases with "Red" in the title but they're not compatible with brake fluid. The one I heard about is called Red Rubber grease made by Castrol. It's supposedly used by caliper rebuilders.

[@carsandchrome]

Great video, thanks.

[@Ccyawn123]

Yes!!! The ones for my car are about 130 each so this is a much better alternative. Plus I can paint them at the same time 💯🫠

[@deanvigna7519]

Wtf? Didn’t powder coat it with some heavy flakes before putting back together like the ricers do. 😂😂😂

[@sixtyfiveford]

I know!