I pulled a rookie mistake and used a screwdriver to try to push back the pistons of my rear Shimano brake caliper during a recent brake pad replacement. Well, we all know what happened…cracked one of the pistons (who knew they were made of fragile ceramic?).
I was surprised and irritated to discover that piston replacement isn't a normal "thing" and you pretty much just have to end up buying new calipers as a result. WTF? A $2 piston vs. $200 brake caliper? I find that maddening, so I did some research and found a video showing how to replace pistons. Mine ended up being a bit more involved as my caliper was one piece which means it was a bit tricky to place in the new pistons once I was able to get the originals out using compressed air.
Anyway, I followed all of the directions to a T, as well as a brake bleed video which I'd never done before, and I'm happy to report it all turned out great and I saved myself a couple hundred bucks…and learned something new in the process.
If anyone else is in the same boat as I was, here are a few links that may help.
Piston Removal and Installation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SSjjl9Uc-0
Replacement Pistons:https: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NYFT4PH?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Brake Bleed instructional Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZ6FIH6yzc
by laspina_illustration
1 Comment
Piston replacement is a pretty fun/easy job as far as more in depth shit goes. That’s awesome and It’s a good skill to have, as it translates to several different areas of life (cars and engines mostly).
I’m just curious how hard you were pushing to crack them in the first place. I have a PP1 at the shop, but I’ve had to use a flat head in the past and I’ve never even come close to cracking one (that I’m aware of).