Caliper refurb, compressor needed?

[21TonyK]

I have most tools but not an air compressor which looks handy for popping pistons out. I plan to refurb a couple of brake calipers (yes I could by new for 10 quid more but...)

Do I need a compressor, I've survived 40 years of playing with cars without one?

ETA: I imagine a foot pump would do the job?

[steveo3002]

worst case pump it up while still attached to the cars hyd system until the piston pops out , have some water ready to wash away any splashes

[21TonyK]

steveo3002 said:

worst case pump it up while still attached to the cars hyd system until the piston pops out , have some water ready to wash away any splashes

Its an ebay special (off the car), plan is to refurb it then swap for the dodgy one thats on there.

[stevieturbo]

A compressor is a handy tool to have regardless. Whether just for air for blowing dirt/water away etc, pumping tyres, the odd air tool etc.

[s p a c e m a n]

You can buy pliers that open up inside the piston to help you pull them out with a bit of twisting but I normally stick a socket in there, wedge an extension bar in next to it and twist them out that way

https://amzn.eu/d/00u3CgJf

[normalbloke]

Take it to a local garage to get them to pop them out, for a donation to the biscuit tin.

[348jeff]

I've popped pistons out just using one of those cans of "air duster".

The hard part is when one of the pistons has popped out so the air just blows through. I normally put something like the old pads between the pistons so one doesn't pop out completely, but all of them move out mostly, then take the pads away, and hopefully you can pull them all out.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276041464429?_skw=air+d...

[chris1roll]

I popped mine out using a stirrup pump and a bit of silcone washer tubing.

[Jakg]

A compressor is infinitely handy, but before I had space for one I used a 12v tyre inflator to pop pistons out.

[Richard-D]

If you haven't done this before be careful with your fingers when applying pressure. If they're a bit seized the piston can come out with a lot of force when it releases. 100psi over the piston area is enough to really hurt.

[21TonyK]

In the end I just replaced the calipers with new. The cost of refurbing was more and then you also have the time messing about. What I did do though was refurb the hangars, they were 50 off quid each to replace. Overnight in a tub of brick acid, clean and quick UHT laquer with new rubbers, sliders and grease. All like new again.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

This is me at the moment. Got a bad groaning on braking - and a very stuck piston. Thing has been subjected to heat, violence and penetrating oil all day. Getting up early to go to Euros before work so I can get a new caliper then take my daughter to ballet.

Might have to get a chisel or something and break up the stuck one in situ. I might as well refurbish the caliper as have all the bits to do it.