Defender 110 Brake Pad Replacement Problem

[dchsw]

Just attempted to replace the front pads on my 110 in a process not too dissimilar to the one described here: http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=10687

My problem is this: When I try to press the inner pistons back into the caliper housing, they don't go all the way back in. This does not leave enough space for the new pad. The outer pistons are fine and the new pad fits in nicely on that side.

How do I get the inner pistons to move back flush with the caliper housing?

There is some corrosion on the outer edge of the pistons, but no more than on the outers and they went in just fine.

Thanks,

David

[Rob]

I usually use some C clamps and wood blocks to apply gentle pressure and push the calipers in. Also I sometimes use a vacuum pump to remove some brakre fluid from the resevoir and leave the cap off to allow the resevoir fill-up from the fluild being pushed back from the caliper being compressed without overflowing. Note that I do this if the fluid is nice and clean, if it is a little old or dirty I bleed it out before compressing the calipers to reduce the chance of pushing debris up into the master cylinder.

Regards, Rob

[kRiS]

Hey David,

I had the exactly same problem two weeks ago.
and I ended up replacing all 12 pistons.
Sadly this wasn't the first time I had to replace my pistons, seems every time I have to replace my rotors I need to replace the pistons as well , they aren't made how they used to be
So this time around I have replaced them with stainless steel ones and I know I will never have this problem again.

You do not want to force them back past the pitted/corroded part as your seals will leak and you will lose your brakes when you need them the most .


Kris