Caliper and slider refurb help please

[2barGee]

One of my fronts has just starting sticking, the sliders feel all gritty when you move them in and out as well so i want to replace them at the same time!

Who do people recommend using? I cannot find information on getting the sliders done as well, so help please

[thomp1983]

Your sliders themselves are probably ok it's just cleaning out the holes they run in that's an issue, a mix of hot degreaser and cotton buds does the job it's just time consuming, a small wire brush on a dremel in the hole is effective too then only use red rubber grease on the sliders to reassemble and make sure the dust boots are in good condition

[stuMR2lee]

As above with the dremel.

If your sliders are pitted/corroded then I'd replace them. Pleanty of options such as: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-MR2-SW ... SwPc9WvIWJ

BiggRed are also good for refurb kits. I'd 100% recommend new Stainless Steel pistons for long lasting refurbs. Did mine a couple of years ago and the front wheels spin very freely still.

[2barGee]

Thank you for the advice, ill clean up my sliders and reuse them.

Stainless steel pistons sound like a good shout. I'll get in touch with biggred and see what their prices are like

[abovetherim]

If I remember right I paid 1
£13 each for rear pistons five years ago from biggred. If you are refurbing then get the whole kit as well, £30ish for both fronts with all the seals and o rings inc the slider boot.

[pbmr2]

Just redid mine, the full kits are worth the effort. If you can afford to have the car off the road for a few days then get the callipers off and check the rears as well. both my rears turned out to be stuffed and needed new callipers (ready refurbed ones)

Its a real git to buy the parts and then find you can`t use them and you need to splash out on more parts.

also with the rear rebuilds, changing the piston mech is not possible on some of them. the one piston i did manage to get out had the part pressed into the piston and the kit doesn`t come with a snapring to fit anotherone to a new piston.
There are pistons out there with the mech ready installed, might be better.

If you are only doing the fronts then nevermind, carry on.

oh and don`t forget new crush washers for the banjo bolts.

[stuMR2lee]

Biggred supply some rear pistons without the internal part but they do provide snap rings in the refurb kit with new pistons.

3 well aimed cuts (1 horizontal and 2 vertical) with a thin blade in an angle grinder and out pops the old mechanism. Fit the mechanism into the new piston with the snap ring and away you go. I've got this down to a fine art now having done so many!

Alternatively take the easy option and buy ready done ones. All depends on your abilities, tools, and time. Brakes are pretty important.

[2barGee]

Biggred supply some rear pistons without the internal part but they do provide snap rings in the refurb kit with new pistons.

3 well aimed cuts (1 horizontal and 2 vertical) with a thin blade in an angle grinder and out pops the old mechanism. Fit the mechanism into the new piston with the snap ring and away you go. I've got this down to a fine art now having done so many!

Alternatively take the easy option and buy ready done ones. All depends on your abilities, tools, and time. Brakes are pretty important.

How long does it take to do them yourself with the full kits?

[stuMR2lee]

Takes me probably around 3 hours to fully refurb a pair of rear calipers. I like to be thorough with the cleaning and have the time. I also fully strip down the handbrake mechanism (special Toyota tool required - around £6 plus long-nosed circlip pliers). I've done quite a few now though - for several other friends as well as my own.

You need patience and attention to detail. There are some good guides online. Otherwise the option of buying ready done ones is quite attractive!

[2barGee]

Takes me probably around 3 hours to fully refurb a pair of rear calipers. I like to be thorough with the cleaning and have the time. I also fully strip down the handbrake mechanism (special Toyota tool required - around £6 plus long-nosed circlip pliers). I've done quite a few now though - for several other friends as well as my own.

You need patience and attention to detail. There are some good guides online. Otherwise the option of buying ready done ones is quite attractive!

What about front calipers mate? Are they easier?

[stuMR2lee]

Front Calipers are much easier and quicker to do. Always go with new stainless steel pistons if they haven't been changed in a while.

Hardest part is getting the old pistons out if they are seized. Best way is to remove brake pads (lift caliper up) and put a small bit of wood inbetween the pistons and the caliper that's just the right size to prevent pistons coming all the way out. Then use the brake pedal and keep pumping until they are nearly out. This will generate more force than say an air compressor.