How to Service a Stuck Brake Caliper Piston & Pad on a 1995 Accord

If one of your brake caliper pistons is stuck it can cause a number of issues. The stopping distance will increase because of the decreased braking power, and the car may also pull to one side or the other when you put on the brakes. If the brakes are stuck on, the pads may make it difficult to move the car; when you do, you may find the pad smells of burning and squeaks or grinds loudly. In either case you should repair it as soon as possible.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench but do not remove them. Raise the car on the jack and place it on the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.

2

Examine the caliper and pads around the rotor, focusing on the way the pads are mounted and on the caliper. Check the caliper piston for corrosion. You may have to peel back the rubber cover. Use the flat-head screwdriver to pry it back. If there is corrosion on the caliper you'll need to replace the caliper.

3

Examine the brake pads to check they have not become stuck and they're not binding. If they seem to be stuck against the rotor, remove the caliper bolts, swing the caliper away from the rotor and reset them in the caliper. They are not attached to the caliper with a bolt. If they are worn you should replace them.

4

Open the hood and check the brake fluid level. While this does not cause the caliper to stick it may cause the caliper to not close correctly and, therefore, cause the caliper to not close around the wheel. If the brake fluid is low, bleed the brakes. Place the plastic tube around the nipple on the brake line and unscrew the nipple a little. Fill the plastic bottle with brake fluid and put the other end of the plastic tube in the brake fluid in the bottle. Press the brake and you should see bubbles come out of the end of the tube. Keep pressing the brake until the bubbles stop, tighten the nipple and remove the tubing and bottle. Make sure you keep the brake fluid topped up, otherwise more air will get into the system.

5

Replace the wheel and hand tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car from the jack stands and tighten the lug bolts.