Rear Caliper overhaul

I've had to change rear brake pads, and have found the same problem as quite a few...brake pad pins rusted in place.

So i got a repair kit cos one of the pistons looked a bit seized. Everything was going well until i tried to undo the bolts to split the caliper. One of them stuck fast. No idea how to loosen it, tried pebetrating stuff but no use.

Question is...do i really need to split the caliper to change the piston seals and clean the pistons up? If i do, does anyone have any tips on undoing the caliper bolts?

Thanks
Jim

[dirtydog]

As far as iknow you'll need to split the caliper to get the pistons out (well i did) try lots of penetrating fluid and then maybe some heat might shift them

[squirrel_hunter]

I've always split the caliper to do the piston and seals.

Tip wise those bolts should be torqued up (can't remember the setting) nicely coupled with the fact they are made of special metal cheese makes maintenance fun. Clean them up first before attempting anything, and if you use it every day have spare bolts unless you don't mind riding without a rear brake.

Not tried an impact driver on these bolts yet as I don't have the correct size bit. The last time they seized on me I had to take them to my mechanics, they had to use heat and sweat to get them out. The next time it happens I will be looking at the Dremel and the impact driver.

Now this might sound silly but as your changing the pads its easier to have the caliper mounted correctly before attempting those bolts. I once took the whole caliper off before I decided I wanted to split it and had a bit of fun before I stuck it back on the bike!

Thanks. I'll soak em up tonight with penetrating fluid and take the blow torch to them in the morning.

Squirrel i think you're right. I undid the first one with the caliper still on the bike, but not the second..can't think why. I'll put it all back on the bike and try again