Brake Calliper Cleaning

[wam]

Does anyone know how to go about cleaning the brake callipers on a Corolla?

I think it is a common problem with Toyota's standard brakes. The disks rust easily, and therefore lots of brake dust tend to clog up the callipers resulting in major squeaking.

I note there are a few technical bods out there who have given technical advice on other matters.

Thanks in advance.

[Boro Sera]

Calipers are very simple things...there's the main body, and there's the piston.

For a good overhaul just remove the caliper assembly from the wheel, press the brake pedal until the piston falls out, then wipe everything down with a clean cloth. There's a rubber seal between the piston and body that should be cleaned too ( new brake fluid and a clean cloth will do here ! ).

warning ! this will result in total loss of braking on your car ! make sure you don't have to go out till it's done . Also, when the piston comes out so will the fluid so ensure that it's not likely to hit your paintwork

When everything is clean, lubricate the seal with fresh fluid ( wipe it round with your finger ), then press the piston back into the caliper - opening the bleed nipple helps with this part immensely.

Refit the caliper to the wheel and bleed the system through........job done !

[Keir]

Awsome this is exactly what I need to do, Will try it this week if I have some time.

[Boro Sera]

if there is any damage to the rubber dust cover or the internal seal then these are available separately . If the internal seal is iffy you'll get leakage so it's easy to tell. The only thing to look out for is bad pitting on the piston. This is a hard chrome part and excessive pitting - especially towards the rear - can damage seals . Double check that there is no grit or crap inside before you slide the piston back in as this can cause damage.

Lubricate everything with FRESH FLUID, I can't stress that enough ! don't be tempted to use the old stuff for this.

Good luck

[wam]

Thanks very much for this, I think I'll try this pretty soon.

Cheers