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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: jac1502 on July 14, 2005, 07:09:37 AM

Title: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: jac1502 on July 14, 2005, 07:09:37 AM
I just recently picked up a 91 sidekick with lots of issues main right now is the brakes or lack there of (my pads where non existent). I got new pads and rotors and when I went to do the first side I could not get the caliper to compress. I released the bleeder and even removed the line, wont budge. Other side is the same way even broke a good-sized C-clamp. What is the deal / trick or do I have to buy new calipers? Thanks for any help in advance
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: Cwkick on July 14, 2005, 07:17:27 AM
Sounds like the calipers locked up on you.  You can rebuild them, but I would just buy two new/rebuilt ones and start over.

Cwkick
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: zaggy on July 14, 2005, 07:33:11 AM
Ditto

Zag
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: toolman21 on July 14, 2005, 07:39:09 AM
Yeah mine did that while it sat waiting on a transmission, got it running and it was pulling the left.  Pulled caliper off, couldn't get it to move as normal, got big channel locks nothing....by that time I was just determined, I knew I couldn't use it I just wanted to see it move.  I took a 3lb hammer...Nothing.  Blew my mind, you would think a gnome got up there and welded it or something.

A new one is only around 50 bucks anyway.... ;D
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: wildgoody on July 14, 2005, 09:49:03 AM
You might look at replacing the stock
2 door calipers with 4 door calipers, I
took a set off of a 4 door in the wrecking
yard, I grabbed the whole assembly that
bolts to the knuckle, I think you need the
mount to retro the biger calipers, but with
bigger tires, the 4 door calipers make a
big improvment in stopping power

Wild
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: jac1502 on July 14, 2005, 01:16:05 PM
Yeah i guess i will break down and buy new calipers, but i just wish i coul get one to move for GP, What about bleeding, can i gravity bleed or has anyone had luck with a bleeder pump i have to do it solo.
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: LawDog on July 14, 2005, 02:01:35 PM
Just get some loaded calipers from the auto store.  That way you get a reman caliper and pads too.  That reminds me, I gotta get 'em too.
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: Rhinoman on July 14, 2005, 02:44:45 PM
Rather than trying to push the piston back in it would probably be easier to pump the brake pedal and push the piston out (unless its completely seized), you can get a lot of pressure in the brake system, then you can clean it up and put it back. If it doesn't come out then a rebuilt/used caliper is the way to go. Obviously you'll have to refill and bleed the brakes afterwards and ideally you should replace the seals too.
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: The_Dude on July 16, 2005, 02:50:11 AM
just buy new ones.. They are soo rediculously cheap that it really makes no sense to mess with them. I just redid the whole brake system on my 91 Hardtop.. It's way simplier and a time saver!

2 cents given!
Title: Re: Brake caliper will not compress
Post by: jac1502 on July 16, 2005, 09:27:08 AM
yeah i already re did the entire system now i just have to bleed