Brake Caliber Question

[Jruby38]

Does anyone know how far you can pump the brake pistons with the pads out and not lose the seal? Will a half inch board do it?  Also is fine steel wool ok to clean up the pistons?

[Skinhead]

I would think 1/2" should be fine, but to be sure start with 3/4" if you only want the pistons out further than normal travel to clean them before pressing back in.

I've found that replacing the seals is easy enough and should be done if it hasn't been done recently.  Deposits build up behind the seals (in the grooves they seat in) and can cause the pistons to freeze up if allowed to get bad enough.  If you are going to change fluids, you might as well do it all at once.

[Chrisj CMA]

no steel wool on the pistons.  If they wont clean up with a rag with some brake fluid on it then get new ones.