How to Remove Stubborn Brake Calipers

Changing the brake calipers on a vehicle can sometimes be difficult due to the buildup of brake dust and grime. The last thing you need is to remove the tires and brakes from your car or truck and discover that the calipers are stuck in place on the brake rotors. By using a few simple techniques and the right tools, you can remove stubborn calipers from your vehicle with relative ease and continue with your brake job.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and lower it onto the jack stands for support. Remove the wheels with a lug wrench and place them to the side. Insert the key in the ignition so that the steering column is unlocked.

2

Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right so that the caliper is visible. Remove the bolt that goes through the flexible line and into the caliper, using the appropriate socket and hex bit.

3

Spray brake cleaner on the two pins that hold the caliper in place. Use a rag to remove the junk and buildup from the pins. If the pins are heavily coated with brake dust and grime, let the brake cleaner soak for a few minutes to penetrate the dust and dirt. Once the pins have been cleaned, remove them with the hex bits. If they are still difficult to remove, use vise grips to pull them out.

4

Tap on the caliper with a hammer until the caliper moves. Grab the caliper once you have loosened it and wiggle it back and forth. This will break up and dislodge any debris that is trapped between the caliper and the rotor. Keep wiggling the caliper back and forth until you can remove it from the vehicle.

5

Repeat the process on the other front wheel.