How do I install hard caliper seal.

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Edit: I'm an idiot, see the video

I went through 2 sets of caliper seals and I am at my wits end. My ford flex caliper seals have the rigid outer ring for the piston caliper dust boot and I can get it somewhat to sit but it needs to be driven in and so far I had no luck. How do I get it in? I cant get to most of it because it is a small and cramped caliper.

 

[vavavroom]

Looks like you need to slip the dust boot with the integrate dbrake piston seal over the brake piston. . Then seat the dust boot lip, then slide in the piston until the piston seal catches in the brake cylinder groove. At least I think that's what's supposed to happen.

 

[Jetronic]

Install the seal first, then insert the lubed piston is how I did it. I helped to have a 3rd hand.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Any one add grease under the dust boot seal to keep the moisture out?

 

[vavavroom]

Any one add grease under the dust boot seal to keep the moisture out?

You need a little grease so things slide smoothly. Use only the proper lube. Sil-Glyde is fine. No peteoleum-based lube.

 

[Jetronic]

Any one add grease under the dust boot seal to keep the moisture out?

I do, silicon grease as it's water repellent.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Can it be added later on or is it not worth messing with the seal?

 

[Jetronic]

it can be added anytime but it also helps with installation

 

[PontiacHO]

That’s a dangerously degraded caliper with rust. Realistically are you saving money vs being safe? It’s not worth the risk.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Make sure everything is cleaned up. Put some silicon grease on the bore and the new seal. Set the new seal in position. Cut a piece of hardwood to cover the seal. Get a big c-clamp and position to squeeze on the piece of wood. Press it into place by tightening the c-clamp.

 

[lbhsbz]

First, clean up that caliper casting.

Put the boot on the piston before you install the piston...then squeeze it in as much as you can by hand. You can use a wooden dowel as a punch to help knock it in a bit more, or a small section of pipe, a socket, anything round really.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I just realized that my brake piston tool used to turn under the rear brake cylinder has a flat disk i can use to sit the seal

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

That’s a dangerously degraded caliper with rust. Realistically are you saving money vs being safe? It’s not worth the risk.

That is how 90% of calipers look like in Buffalo NY.
Good point about the safety though.

 

[PontiacHO]

That is how 90% of calipers look like in Buffalo NY.
Good point about the safety though.

got it. I’m just not used to dealing with rust.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

got it. I’m just not used to dealing with rust.

Once you get into it, about 60 percent of that scale inside winds up being caked on brake dust and rust "cake".
You know its a "good" caliper because the bleeder screw came out and so did the banjo bolt
Here is another side by side comparison after sand blasting. Left and right calipers.

 

[PontiacHO]

I see. Can’t offer much on that dust seal although some I recall had to fit inside a groove in the caliper. Maybe the sandblasting will clean up the groove to aide in installation??

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Well Im glad that I screwed up the seal install and ripped the dust boot.
I was taking it back apart and a chunk of the caliper piston seal fell out. Looks like a took a large chunk out forcing the piston in.