Car problems? Again? It must be frustrating and irritating. Undoubtedly, we all agree that having car trouble is the worst thing ever.
The brake piston is among the popular reasons for making a car unable to function properly.
Everything seems to be in perfect working order, including the brakes, which appear to be on exactly as they should be.
However, your brake piston won’t compress, still? What may be preventing the caliper piston from compressing?
What can you do to try and fix the problem? Calm your thoughts and keep reading. You will find everything you need down there!
What Is a Brake Piston?
The brake caliper is a crucial part of your whole brake system, while the piston is its most integral component.
The piston is in charge of driving the brake pad to contact with the brake rotor to help your car stop.
How Does The Caliper Piston Work?
A brake caliper requires one, two, four, or six pistons. Each piston was designed to enable the caliper to balance so that the brake pads receive equal force.
In a hydraulic braking system, dual, four, or six-piston calipers take advantage of the hydraulic force from the caliper’s sides.
When the brake pedal is hit, it will allow the brake fluid to pass through the caliper.
At this point, the piston will travel outward then make a connection with the brake pads, causing friction between the rotor and the brake pads to stop your car.
Why Your Brake Piston Won’t Compress
If the caliper piston won’t compress, it is probably because of a corroded or rusted caliper piston brought on by a defective piston boot.
In some cases where the issue comes from the rear caliper piston, it might indicate that you are using the wrong wind back process.
Corrosion
The caliper piston’s inability to function is most frequently caused by corroded or rusted caliper pistons, owing to an impaired caliper piston boot.
In general, corrosion can prevent the brake calipers from operating correctly or cause rubbing noise from front wheels when driving. You should keep in mind that even a minor trace of rust can impact its capability to compress.
The good news is that this issue might not come to you if you are an active car user.
Contrarily, abandoning your vehicle for months can create the perfect environment for corrosion and rust to thrive. Bad weather conditions are also a possibility when the boot undergoes slight damage.
Worn Seals Or Boot
The piston seals deteriorate over time. The piston will continue to be seized until the seals entirely break down.
It might also be connected to the piston’s protective and lubricating rubber boot. As the rubber becomes torn down, water can easily get into the piston, causing the piston to lock up.
Damaged Brake Hose
The hose is a typical source of a locked brake caliper. When the hose shows any breakage or cracking, the bad brake fluid will leak onto the piston.
Since it is unable to return to the brake master cylinder, the caliper becomes stuck.
Nevertheless, there are still cases when the caliper isn’t truly jammed. Sometimes the brakes simply feel the same due to the damaged hose scenario. For that reason, you should investigate to find the source of the issue.
Wrong Wind Back Procedure
Should the issue involve the rear caliper, it is conceivable that you are not adhering to the service procedure’s instructions.
Keep in mind that the front and rear calipers work differently. You need to follow the proper procedures to compress them.
The fact is that the rear calipers are not easily pushed back in. You need to twist and press them simultaneously.
Also, a wind-back tool is a great way to operate them. If your parking brake is electric, rewinding it might require a diagnostic instrument.
Remember to regularly check for other signs of damage, for example both front brake calipers not releasing.
Best Ways To Compress Stuck Caliper Pistons
Why won’t my brake caliper piston compress? Now you can diagnose it, and here are some of the best ways to resolve the issue.
C-Clamp
Place the simple C-clamp on the caliper and all the way up to the piston’s end.
On top of that, you will notice a screw that needs tightening carefully. It is better to use hardwood to protect the piston surfaces from erosion.
Once you twist the screw, there is a rise in pressure, paving the way for the piston to get compressed. All you need to do is to tighten it until you reach your desired level.
Channel Locks
If your brake caliper wont compress with C clamp, you can have a try with the channel locks. They should be installed with one end behind the caliper and the other lying behind the pad.
It would be best if the brake pad and the caliper be positioned midway between the grips.
When you press the channel locks forcefully together, the piston will automatically compress. You should apply light pressure at first and level it up as necessary.
Piston Compressor Tool
With the help of special tools, the job will be much more straightforward. Ensure the compressor is set up correctly for the task at hand. Moreover, the push bar shouldn’t be left hanging out.
Place the caliper compressor next to the caliper in the pad’s front.
As the push bar presses down on the brake pad, lower the compression tool. The piston should be able to retract as a result of the pad pushing onto it.
Screwdriver
Many people misthink that we need some special equipment to compress a caliper piston. Surprisingly, your everyday screwdriver is enough to get the job done.
Place your screwdriver in the caliper window. Remember to hold on to it firmly like the openings.
Also, the screwdriver needs to be lowered until the forces are evenly distributed. The pulling will pull the brake piston back slightly.
Don’t forget to pull back a little bit after inserting the screwdriver. Firm pressure applied to the pad outwardly is what you need.
Your screwdriver can now be inserted between the brake pad and piston. From this point, it should allow you to gently press the piston back in.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Seized Caliper Piston?
If you already succeeded in compressing the caliper according to our advice, you will not need to buy a new one. However, every circumstance is unique.
For instance, the brake hose issue may really be the cause of the similar symptoms, in which case the caliper piston may still be functional. Consequently, you must investigate the issue carefully before reaching a conclusion.
Nevertheless, if your brake caliper piston won’t compress, you have no choice but to repair the brake caliper.
It might require you to pay between $250 and $500. The labor may wind up costing from $150 to $200, while the parts range in price from $100 to $300.
Your local labor costs and the type of car you drive will affect the price.
Although you may save money on labor if you are able to change the brake caliper on your own, the brake components themselves will still cost you the most of the money.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be capable of resolving the issue that your brake piston won’t compress.
The brake piston will not compress unless you stick to our guidelines and maintenance tips. Surely, you will figure out a way to complete the work.
But if the issue continues, it is time to leave your car to a trusted mechanic or an auto repair shop. Either way, it is all fine.
One last thing to remember: never take the chance of driving on torn-down brakes, as they can put you and your vehicle in danger. For that reason, prioritize your safety first!