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stuck pistons

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:02 pm
by guitarcarrot
simple question:

Can a few sticky/stuck pistons cause brake pulsation?

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 8:28 pm
by richr
thats usually warped discs

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 11:02 pm
by guitarcarrot
yeah ive heard alot about that, but ive checked runout and it is half the service limit...

then i saw this: http://www.ebcbrakes.com/automotive/bra ... tion.shtml

so i checked the thickness at random spots with a micrometer precise to a 1,000th of an inch and all identical readings,

ive cleaned the discs with brake disc cleaner still i could no longer bare the squeaking, still to no avail

im loathed to try new pads as i really doubt thats the problem,

but i have two very sticky pistons in each caliper which makes me wonder :(

ive had to take my mirrors off because they were vibrating and putting hairline cracks in the paint around their mounts,

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 7:18 am
by RedexRobB
Well if you can free up the pistons that can only help things i would have thought, weather thats the problem or not is another thing but i would free them up if i were you.

Did you check the runout across the surface of the disc rather than at one point?

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:07 am
by guitarcarrot
Yeah ill do that then, whats the protocol with seals? If they look tatty get new ones?

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 10:31 pm
by stonemonkey
check visually for any wear/cracking/perishing and replace if in doubt. The dust seals on mine were sticking after having not been used for 8 months. I used a g-clamp to push the pistons in, reblead the system and it worked a treat!

Re: stuck pistons

Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 1:21 pm
by pizzaboy
caliper pistons do not stick because of damaged or worn seals they stick because of corrosion in the groove where the seal is located.
The seals also play a role in moving the piston back from the pad/disc.

New seals wont help unless the groove in the caliper body is cleaned

and sticking pistons lead to poor braking efficiency and excessive pad/disc wear and over heating of disc which could lead to warping