Replacing Brake Caliper

[Deleted member 20330]

Removing Brake Caliper

I'm going to replace the brake fluid, pads, rotors and paint the calipers on a Gen2.

As the caliper is removed, how should the brake line be capped so it doesn't spill fluid or allow air in ?

 

[1sik32valve]

If you have needle nose style vice grips, but some that the teeth are very worn out damn near smooth. You can use those but if your going to replace fluid and bleed take the caliper off first replace it, then replace fluid and bleed system.

 

[chris2523]

don't unhook the brake line.
and don't open the bleeder until you press the pistons back in.

then open the bleeder to release the extra fluid from behind the piston.

then you should bleed the brakes because doing that every so often is good practice.

 

[Right on the Mark]

Take your needle nose vicegrips and place fuel line over jaws. You can then pinch off the rubber lines feeding calipers. You are still going to get messy thou.

 

[Deleted member 20330]

don't unhook the brake line.
and don't open the bleeder until you press the pistons back in.

then open the bleeder to release the extra fluid from behind the piston.

then you should bleed the brakes because doing that every so often is good practice.

I'm so glad I ask you folks before I act.

 

[Deleted member 20330]

Take your needle nose vicegrips and place fuel line over jaws. You can then pinch off the rubber lines feeding calipers. You are still going to get messy thou.

I've seen videos of people doing that.

However, the brake line looked a bit stiff and I'm not sure if compressing the rubber brake line won't crack it. Perhaps that's just being unnecessarily cautious.

Is the circled area below where the line should be compressed ?



After removing the brake line from the caliper, should I clean off the end of the brake line with brake cleaner and cover it with a plastic bag ?

 

[dnsherrill]

when you put the brake lines back onto the calipers you may want to use two new copper washers around the banjo bolt to avoid leaks; why are you replacing calipers? rebuilding the fronts is simple;
- the rears? eh, not quite as simple- I won't do THAT again

 

[Right on the Mark]

I've seen videos of people doing that.

However, the brake line looked a bit stiff and I'm not sure if compressing the rubber brake line won't crack it. Perhaps that's just being unnecessarily cautious.

Is the circled area below where the line should be compressed ?

View attachment 828459958

After removing the brake line from the caliper, should I clean off the end of the brake line with brake cleaner and cover it with a plastic bag ?

Anywhere on rubber line is ok , stay couple inches away from metal. I have been doing this for 30 years no worries. After you remove banjo bolt from caliper line take it and remove the copper washer on it. This first copper washer likes to stick to the banjo bolt. Sometimes I have to knock them off. Won't hurt cleaning hose end ready for reinstall. Remember copper washer on banjo bolt then that bolt goes into caliper line then another copper washer.

 

[Deleted member 20330]

I corrected the initial post to state the calipers will be painted.

I wanted to remove the calipers for cleaning and painting purposes and didn't want to affect other components while doing so.

A shiny new rotor gets overshadowed by a 16 year old, oxidized caliper.

 

[dnsherrill]

painting the rubber boots around the piston and the sliders may be ill-advised; cleaning and re-greasing the bracket sliders is good maint.

 

[Deleted member 20330]

painting the rubber boots around the piston and the sliders may be ill-advised; cleaning and re-greasing the bracket sliders is good maint.

I was going to mask off the interior of the caliper so the paint is only on the outside.

 

[Deleted member 20330]

I want to first remove the caliper for cleaning and painting.

If I don't want to clamp the brake line, is there something I could put on the end of the brake line to keep the brake fluid from leaking out ?

The calipers will need at least 24 hours for the paint to cure for reinstallation.

Could I tape a 16 ounce plastic bottle to the end of the brake line ?

 

[dnsherrill]

what are you trying to avoid by capping the end of the brake line? you'll still need to bleed the system regardless. Try not to let the mst cyl run dry. If you figure out the banjo bolt dia and pitch you may find a cap to screw on there, idk