disassembling caliper without compressor?

[dontlikeoc]

The calipers are off my 81 Special now. Is there an alternate way to disassemble them without using an air compressor? The brake system was soft, I dont think re-hooking to it would do at this point. I was hopeful a circlip tool may do, but I am stuck now. Any advice would be appreciated.

[greatnw]

I got a tip from someone on this forum (can't remember who at the moment, sorry!) about using a grease gun and simply putting it on the bleeder valve. Worked great. One of the best tips I've ever used.
You do have to put a bolt in the other hole of course.

[mro]

no friend with air?

Sounds like there stuck?
Either use some air at a "gas" station or hook em back up and bleed it and then pump it till it pops out. (can be messy )

mro

[mro]

But not as bad as having to clean out all that grease

mro

[dontlikeoc]

Thanks for suggestions.

Does the air at gas station work? I wasnt sure about the strength of the air. I will give it a try first. Then, with the grease gun, will just pressing to the orifice and injecting make a tight enough seal?

Yeah, they started out as being stuck.

[Ken Talbot]

The air pressue at a gas station will be plenty. You just need to press the rubber end of a valve stem the bleeder hole, while you press the air chuck against the other end of the valve stem. Keep your fingers well away from the piston and the area where it will be coming out, and pack that space with some shop rags. Oh, and be prepared for some shocked looks from other people when they hear the bang when it pops loose.

DAMHIKIJD, BTDT

[dontlikeoc]

Ken,

Thanks for anserin my novice question. I will run to the gas station when the rain breaks.

[dontlikeoc]

Tried a gas station air machine. it doesnt work. The end piece shape makes it impossible to make a decent seal - or the caliper is too for the air to push it out.

[XJ Rob]

The grease gun trick works great. It isn't that messy. A few paper towels and some brake cleaner spray cleans everything pretty easily.

[dontlikeoc]

About the grease gun technique, how do you maintain the pressure? Will a finger over the bleed hole and grease nosel in the threaded hole do it?

[dontlikeoc]

is this the thread about the grease gun method?

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...se+gun+caliper

[DiverRay]

That thread is one of them! You can also use an old inner tube, cut off the air valve, and put that into the 10mm bolt hole to try and pop the piston out at a gas station. Your choice, but be careful with the air!

[XJ Rob]

It is probably one of many Caliper/grease gun threads. The grease gun fitting should push on to the bleeder screw.Make sure the bleeder is CLEAN and open. They will sometimes be plugged on the inside. Use a small drill bit to clean it out USING YOUR FINGERS not a drill motor. Plug the "Hose" hole with a bolt that threads in. You don't have to screw it all the way in. A few turns should be good. Pump the grease gun and the piston will start coming out slowly. Keep pumping till the piston is out.

[dontlikeoc]

Thank you guys. Now I have a picture of how to maintain the seal. One of the brake knuckle stud from a long gone Nissna mini van just fit the threaded hole. The nearest home depot didnt have a decent grease gun. I will have to pick one up from a Lowe's...

To be clear, do I need a pneumanic grease gun? Or, will a manual one do it?

[tarzan]

A manual grease gun will work.
Wouldn't it be easier to just hook it up to either the front or rear master cylinder and pump the piston out?