BobbyDazzler Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I just got a mobile car mechanic to change my front brake discs and pads. Half way through the job, he knocks on the door and says the piston on the caliper had seized and he'd broken it while trying to push it back in. He said it'll be £100 for a new one including fitting and bleeding the brakes afterwards. Looking at the damage, it looked like he hadn't used the proper method of retracting the piston, one corner had broken off, he'd used a pry bar between the disc and piston to push it back instead of using a G clamp and applying even pressure across the face of it. Any mechanics out there that think he's an idiot or should I cut him some slack? Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byeo Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 If what you say about him using the wrong method to retract the piston, then he's an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyDazzler Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Yeah thanks byeo, thats my feeling too. I've watched enough episodes of Wheeler Dealers to know how to fit discs and pads, I'm sure I could have done it myself but I don't like getting my hands dirty! He's coming back in an hour to fit the new caliper so I'll front him out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geared Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Both are the wrong method really. You should crack the bleed nipple off, then the piston will retract with much less force required. You shouldn't force the piston back, you can damage the master cylinder forcing the fluid through in the wrong direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyDazzler Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Thanks geared. I'll ask him if he cracked the bleed nipple, mind you he'll probably say he did. Depending on his reaction, I might be naming and shaming later! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geared Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Should be faily obvious if he did, there'd be brake fluid on the nipple. Unless he's already removed the caliper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shand1 Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Yeah thanks byeo, thats my feeling too. I've watched enough episodes of Wheeler Dealers to know how to fit discs and pads, I'm sure I could have done it myself but I don't like getting my hands dirty! He's coming back in an hour to fit the new caliper so I'll front him out. Amazing how nothing is ever seized up on wheeler dealers ? I wish i could edit all the difficult stuff out when i do a job ! Caliper pistons are quite often seized, but should go in ok with a proper wind back tool. If it's really difficult to get it back in, then the piston may be badly rusted & the caliper may need replacement anyway ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Cid Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Caliper pistons are quite often seized, but should go in ok with a proper wind back tool. If it's really difficult to get it back in, then the piston may be badly rusted & the caliper may need replacement anyway ? I have just replaced both rear calipers on my Scenic, I have never used a proper tool for pushing the caliper back, never had a broken piston either. It is a long time ago that I worked on cars. The calipers that I have just replaced were seized, screw thread, so I wasnt able to push them back. Both calipers cost me £85 from ebay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyDazzler Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 It's a PT Cruiser and he said it was because the piston is plastic (phenolic resin) more brittle than metal. I still think he was too heavy handed and careless. I paid him anyway and at least I've got me brakes back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Cid Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 It's a PT Cruiser and he said it was because the piston is plastic (phenolic resin) more brittle than metal. It wouldnt have been seized due to rust then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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