Caliper Rebuild

[grousy1]

Hey guys, I own a '97 Avalon and because it's similar to a Gen 3/4 Camry, hope nobody minds me posting here asking for free advice. I just replaced my rear pads trying to get rid of a grinding problem, didn't go away and when I went back to grease the slide pins I noticed I had somehow torn a caliper piston boot. I'm not very mech inclined, but would love to do this myself with a $15 kit rebuild kit from Advanced Auto. Think this is a doable job for me? I've done my bushing, tranny, oil change and the pads. If not, how much should I pay to get it done (Monro muffler will only replace, and they aren't cheap). I'm an idiot for tearing the boot, I know. Thanks.

[Stillrunning]

I don't think you have to pop the piston to just replace the boot. You will have to pump the piston out a bit to remove the old boot and install the new one. You should be able to do it without disconnecting the brake line, but you may have to sparate the caliper halves for access. The kit probably comes with a new piston seal, which you don't need unless there is leakage. I've rebuilt my own caliper pistons and it's no big deal, but I would advise using a manual to replace the boot. You will need a tool to compress the piston back into the caliper, but they're not expensive.

[grousy1]

Stillrunning,

If I don't have to pop the pistion that would be awesome. I have no idea how to separate the caliper, I thought it was just the caliper that connects to the caliper mount. I'll buy the kit and give it a try. Are you referring to a Chilton manual? I don't have one, but if it explains this process I may have to get one (I have the piston compression tool, though), thanks.

It's just that I've seen on some websites that getting the boot back on is a bear, though, difficult even with the caliper off the car and the piston popped.

[Stillrunning]

Any manual will do if it describes the procedure with pics. Be careful not to pump the piston out too far, just enough to work with. The piston has a groove in the outside end that holds the boot, the boot presses into a groove on the caliper. You may not have to separate the caliper, but be prepared to do so if you can't get good access. The caliper halves move on slides that you can pull apart, with effort, depending on when their last service was. Be careful not to tear the slide boots. You should also clean and regrease the slides if you take them apart. Also better to do the other side as well as your brake pads will last longer. Gets involved doesn't it. Your other option is to just leave the boot alone. The piston will corrode and get dirt in it but after a while you can just replace with a re-built and save all this trouble.

[grousy1]

Stillrunning, thanks a lot man. But excuse my ignorance. I only know of 1 pair of slides and I have to unscrew the caliper from these slides. Once I have the caliper off these slides (atached to the caliper mount) but still connected to the brake line, I have access to the boot and piston. Are you saying that I can further break down this part? I am looking at a Camry manual and it doesn't show that the caliper can be furthur broken down.

I might just leave it, it's 10 years old and a new caliper costs $100.

[hooRAH]

You should be able to do all that you describe and pull the boot off and replace it.

I've rebuilt a set of 4 piston calipers on a Volvo before, and the instructions said not to separate the two halves, as they are press fit from the factory and I will not be able to get them back together. Not sure if the Camry is the same way, but TMK, you don't need to separate the two halves to rebuild a brake caliper.

Doesn't really matter though, you don't even need to remove the piston to replace the boot. Easy fix, you'll be good to go.

[grousy1]

Thanks guys, think you've saved my some dough. I called Monro and they wanted to completely replace the caliper at big $$$. I'm a noob but slowly learning.