MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Technical Workshop => Topic started by: th3_f15t on April 18, 2014, 11:09:30 am

Title: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: th3_f15t on April 18, 2014, 11:09:30 am
Morning ya'll. New question for you all... In the process of rebuilding rear R32 brake calipers and am quite stuck.

I can't seem to get the piston back in with the inner O ring seal in place, and also struggling to fit the dust seal. There is a threaded bolt inside the caliper that the piston fixes to (which is does fine with no seals in place) but even with large amounts of lubricating oil it just refuses to engage. Anyone have any hints/tips to help?

Failing that, do you have any places you recommend for doing full caliper rebuilds?
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: bacillus on April 18, 2014, 11:31:24 am
Have you tried PMing DaveB1970 for advice?
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: th3_f15t on April 18, 2014, 11:48:57 am
Of course, for he is the braking god in these parts. But put out a post as others may answer quicker, or find the advice useful. If Dave messages me I'll post it here to share this info.
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: th3_f15t on April 18, 2014, 02:10:12 pm
Sorted this out now.

Lots of grease inside the O ring seal, on the piston and a bit inside the dust seal (where it meets the caliper body), and made a tool from wood. Then gently rotated the piston till it wound all the way flush with the seal. Only time will tell how good a job I've done! :popcornsoda:
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: bacillus on April 18, 2014, 02:45:27 pm
 :congrats:  :happy2:
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: th3_f15t on April 18, 2014, 02:52:56 pm
I've sorted it now, my uncle fashioned a caliper winding tool that worked a treat. Also discovered that a silicon spray he has smells very citrus like. The pink elephant agrees... :pomppomp:
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: rich83 on April 18, 2014, 03:33:07 pm
You shouldnt have to rotate the front piston to get it to retract.
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: th3_f15t on April 19, 2014, 06:36:43 pm
You shouldnt have to rotate the front piston to get it to retract.

It was for the rear calipers, which have a threaded bolt, part of the handbrake I think. We improvised with a bit of wood, which broke several times but worked. Plenty of silicon grease too, was slightly high by the end of it. The joy of finishing combined with solvant abuse was a good feeling.
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuilds
Post by: robern2 on April 19, 2014, 07:05:31 pm
Morning ya'll. New question for you all... In the process of rebuilding rear R32 brake calipers and am quite stuck.

I can't seem to get the piston back in with the inner O ring seal in place, and also struggling to fit the dust seal. There is a threaded bolt inside the caliper that the piston fixes to (which is does fine with no seals in place) but even with large amounts of lubricating oil it just refuses to engage. Anyone have any hints/tips to help?

Failing that, do you have any places you recommend for doing full caliper rebuilds?
try richard mount at more than just wheels.