Front brake caliper question

[btoscano]

Hey all,



I did my first ever brake work on these trucks yesterday. I was not at all familiar with the caliper mounting setup! What allows the calipers to slide? Do the hydraulic forces win over the metal to metal friction of that retainer clip and bowed metal piece that I drove in and out with a hammer and punch? Should any anti-seeze be used on the retainer or bowed metal?



Thanks,

 

[Greenleaf]

You performed said maint. on the W model? The D model doesn't have anything to "drive" with a hammer. Yes..... Anitsieze it! There isn't much movement. It simply "gives". It does move a bit over time to compensate for the wear in the pads. When you get her together, have someone push the pedle and you'll see how it gives a tad.





You will want to push the piston back in with a C-clamp and old pad or best yet, replace the calipers. No need to bleed the fluid / air if you push the piston in.



-S

 

[btoscano]

I was going to replace the calipers until I realized someone already had... the truck has Bendix calipers with metal pistons. I just changed the pads. If they don't wear evenly then I'll change the calipers. I also bled the calipers a little. The right side had a little air in the line. Should I take it apart and antiseeze those parts "tonight"? Or just leave it alone, or maybe at the next tire rotation?



Thanks,

 

[Greenleaf]

Let me tell ya. Order a pizza and wash it down with two Dews. Then take her apart and slop on the sieze cause you'll never do it later.



GL

 

[mysteryman]

calip pistons

You have the good pistons,,,, The stock pistons were plastic of sorts... They would expand or swell with time and cause the brakes to drag... . Never reuse a plastic piston or ever axcept a reman calip. with them in it...



If a steel piston is ever found to have any rust pits, peeling chrome or dents in it replace it also to avoid leaks...

I was going to replace the calipers until I realized someone already had... the truck has Bendix calipers with metal pistons. I just changed the pads. If they don't wear evenly then I'll change the calipers. I also bled the calipers a little. The right side had a little air in the line. Should I take it apart and antiseeze those parts "tonight"? Or just leave it alone, or maybe at the next tire rotation?



Thanks,