I searched and found many threads about replacing brake pads and finding frozen caliper pistons. I'm starting a new thread to capture specific items about my ongoing front brake job, to consolidate several points and to create a lessons learned summary.
I am diligent about monitoring pad wear so I recently replaced the front pads and found the inside lower piston on the passenger side to be hard to move. It did free up with some persuasion. I then found a totally frozen lower inside piston on the driver side. I stopped the pad change and am getting items together to do a caliper change. I was originally thinking of rebuilding the caliper myself but thought the better of it for 2 reasons: (1) It isn't really any cheaper than a factory rebuilt part once you buy the entire overhaul kit and individual pistons (if I had more time I could shop around and wait for delivery but this is my daily driver.) (2) This is safety related in being able to stop the vehicle. I won't think twice about R&R of parts but rebuilding something brake related has a certain level of risk for an amateur.
On with the task at hand for the coming w/e and some prework questions...
I have attached 2 pdf's from the FSM related to the front brakes (see posts below.) The R&R is straight forward but I have brake line and system bleeding questions:
1) On page 32-17 they say to use a Special Service Tool (SST 09023-00100) to "disconnect the brake tube". What's so special about this? Can't I just use an open end wrench or will I damage something?
2) Will I lose all my brake fluid out of the reservior (by gravity) and potentially introduce air into the other brake lines? Or will there be minimal fluid loss just from this line?
I have the rebuilt caliper (came with new pins and clips), 2 new anti-squeal shims (will be replacing both damaged inner shims), brake fluid and brake grease.
I'm open to any answers, suggestions and insights with this.
