Seized brake calipers

[spetz]

My car hasn't moved in many years.

One of the calipers seems to have seized as I was unable to push it back in when putting brake pads on.

Where can I get a rebuild kit?
How hard is it to rebuild these?
And, is it possible to get pistons in case it is corroded or something?

[Vectose]

You can get the rebuild kit from Amayama.

I wrote a guide on how to rebuild the front calipers.
http://ftoaustralia.com/v3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=28431

Still need to post the guide on how to do the rears. Will do it when I get back to Australia in November.

And yes, you can get pistons from Amayama also, but they are a bit pricey. If there is only slight corrosion and no pitting, use some 2000grit emery paper to remove the corrosion and shine them up.

[spetz]

Thanks Vectose, very nice write up.

Is there an alternative to using compressed air?

Mind you, when pressing the brakes (engine off) the caliper would not move at all. And I could not push it back in.

[Vectose]

Compressed air is pretty much your only option. You may need a new set of calipers if the cylinder bores on yours are pitted.

[Vectose]

Also, you tried using a G clamp to push the pistons back in to try and break them free?

[Daniel2019]

Or a big set of multigrips, that's what I use at work. Just put the old pad in to protect it.

[spetz]

No I did not as I didn't have the tools.
I tried pressing in the caliper + when pressing the brakes the piston would not move at all. Though engine was off.

[Daniel2019]

Can be pretty difficult sometimes to do with your hands. Borrow someone's multigrips or a G clamp or similar first.

[spetz]

The other brake caliper went in.

Actually my clue is not that I couldn't push the pistons in, but rather pressing the brake pedal would not push them out

[Daniel2019]

Start with a set of multigrips and go from there if it doesn't work.