Caliper pistons may retract too far when brakes are released due to issues like worn brake pads, which can create excessive clearance. Additionally, a malfunctioning master cylinder or brake booster may cause inconsistent hydraulic pressure, leading to improper piston retraction. Air trapped in the brake lines can also affect the system's ability to maintain the correct piston position. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify and resolve these issues.
calipers can lock up for more than one reason. first reason is dirt and grime in the caliper and pistons.next ,if the brake pads are worn,the pistons can travel to far when brakes applied, leaving room for the pistons to come out of alignment and not be able to retract when brakes are released the brake caliper itself may be faulty. if this needs replacing, it is better to buy a balanced and matched pair and replace both rear at same time so if the problem is not at the caliper, it can be any one of a number of valves or even the master cylinder. generally you would discount the master cylinder unless all brakes were sticking
How do you compress the rear break caliper, pistons on a 2002 Sierra ?
There is a set screw on the back of the Caliper that you turn to compress the piston. You use the same set screw to adjust the brakes when you change brake pads.
Worn caliper pistons, broken delivery lines.
Remove caliper mounting bolts Slide caliper off rotor Use a "C" clamp to fully retract piston into caliper body If parking brake is used on this caliper piston is threaded and a special tool (not expensive) is required to thread piston into caliper body
Remove Wheels Make sure Emergency brakeis released Remove caliper mounting bolts Remove caliper Remove Rotor Re-install caliper Remove brake pads Use special tool (available at Sears or auto parts not expensive) to retract piston into caliper (Threads in clockwise) Replace pads and re-assemble
Remove wheelsRe-install 2 lug nuts to hold rotor in placeRemove 2 caliper mounting boltsSlide caliper off rotorUse a "C" clamp to fully retract piston into caliper bodyReplace pads inner and outerRE-Install caliperPUMP BRAKES TO SET PADS AGAINST ROTOR PRIOR TO MOVING VEHICLE
The tool used for rear brake pistons is commonly referred to as a brake caliper tool or brake caliper piston tool. It is designed to compress the piston back into the caliper housing when replacing brake pads or servicing the brakes, especially for vehicles with rear disc brakes that have integrated parking brake systems. Some tools are specifically designed for certain vehicle makes and models, while others are universal.
Remove wheels Re-install 2 lugs bolts to hold rotor in place Make sure parking is released Loosen caliper mounting bolts remove one mounting bolt to allow caliper to swing out remove old brake pads Rear pistons are threaded and have to be turned "Clockwise" to retract (tool available at Sears or auto part store - - not expensive) After piston retracted install new pads and re-assemble MAKE SURE YOU PUMP BRAKES TO RESET PADS TO ROTOR BEFORE MOVING VEHICLE
From your question im assuming that you have rear disk brakes so use a C clamp to press the pistons back down, if it is too difficult use the bleeder valve at the back of the caliper to release the pressure. Remember to bleed the brakes when you are done if you do this though
Remove wheels Remove 2 caliper mounting bolts Slide caliper off rotors Rotors should slide off hub Fully retract piston into caliper body using a "C" clamp Replace inner and outer brake pads Re-Install rotors Slide caliper on rotors and re-secure REMEMBER TO PUMP BRAKES TO SET PADS AGAINST ROTORS PRIOR TO MOVING VEHICLE Remove wheels Remove 2 caliper mounting bolts Slide caliper off rotors Rotors should slide off hub Fully retract piston into caliper body using a "C" clamp Replace inner and outer brake pads Re-Install rotors Slide caliper on rotors and re-secure REMEMBER TO PUMP BRAKES TO SET PADS AGAINST ROTORS PRIOR TO MOVING VEHICLE Remove wheels Remove 2 caliper mounting bolts Slide caliper off rotors Rotors should slide off hub Fully retract piston into caliper body using a "C" clamp Replace inner and outer brake pads Re-Install rotors Slide caliper on rotors and re-secure REMEMBER TO PUMP BRAKES TO SET PADS AGAINST ROTORS PRIOR TO MOVING VEHICLE
Your SRAM brake pistons may not be retracting properly due to air bubbles in the brake system, contaminated brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a misaligned caliper. It is recommended to bleed the brakes, replace the brake fluid, inspect the brake pads, and adjust the caliper alignment to resolve the issue.