Tundra caliper question

[0xfded]

A question, for someone with more experience in such things:

Just how much resistance should you expect from the pistons in a properly functioning brake caliper?

I've just finished up rebuilding a pair of 13WL calipers from an 05 Tundra, in prep for the brake swap mid-August. Everything is cleaned, new seals and boots, and lubed up with syl-glyde, but the pistons still seem awfully solid. I was able to get them in with hand pressure, but I wasn't expecting that much resistance from something that I expect to, you know, move.

Is this pretty typical? I'm certain hydraulic force can move them out, but I guess I'm not clear on what draws them back against that much resistance.

 

[nicolasballia]

I don't know how you did it, but on my stock calipers i had to use a C clamp and the old pad to compress it. If you coils do it with your mere hand you're good lol or the incredible hulk... Either or..

 

[vincer77]

My understanding is that the seal design provides the force that retracts the pistons.

 

[0xfded]

I don't know how you did it, but on my stock calipers i had to use a C clamp and the old pad to compress it. If you coils do it with your mere hand you're good lol or the incredible hulk... Either or..

Glad to gear it. No hulk here, and I didn't have to fight all that hard to get them in. Hopefully good to go soon as I pick up the pads and rotors in August.

 

[OrangeTexan]

If you were able to push them in by hand they are fine. Remember, the seals have to hold in the brake fluid which will be under a lot of pressure, so you should expect it to be a tight fit and provide some resistance. The hydraulic pressure and vacuum when you press and release the brake pedal is what pushes and pulls the piston.