I finally got a stuck caliper piston to retract with a cheap tool trick

So I was wrestling with a seized rear caliper on my buddy's 2005 Civic last weekend. We tried the usual screwdriver prying, even a c-clamp, but that piston would not budge. I remembered a YouTube tip about using a spare brake pad and a large socket to push it back. I put the old pad over the piston, placed a 32mm socket on top of that, then used the c-clamp on the socket. It pushed that piston right back in like butter after just a few cranks. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes instead of the hour we wasted earlier. Some guys swear by the tool set from AutoZone for this, but I'm wondering if the socket trick is just as good long term. Has anyone else tried this method and seen it work on trickier models like a Subaru or something?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_miller848d ago

Idk man, I mean a seized caliper is usually a sign the caliper itself is shot anyway. It's probably just a matter of time before that lockup happens again on the road.

ray_campbell468d ago

AutoZone guy told me last year that most calipers they sell are remanufactured junk anyway. He said the pistons are usually pitted from moisture in the brake fluid over time. Once that rubber seal tears, it's done for. I've had two cars where the caliper locked up at a stop sign, not a fun surprise. Better to just replace the whole assembly and be done with it.

drew_reed626d ago

Ran over a pothole last week and my caliper said "I'm out.

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