---
title: How to disassemble a brake caliper
description: From Frenkit, we show you step by step how to disassemble a brake caliper from your vehicle and do the perfect disassembly yourself.
image: https://blog.frenkit.es/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper.jpg
---

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# [How to disassemble a brake caliper](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/how-to-dismantle-a-brake-caliper)

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![How to dismantle a brake caliper-1](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper-1.jpg?width=1000&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper-1.jpg)

Brake discs are very important wear elements in a vehicle's mechanism. Therefore, if you decide to replace or [repair the brake caliper yourself](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-self-repairing-your-cars-brake-caliper-and-master-cylinder?hsLang=en), and ensure a good repair, you should take into account several details.

If you are a professional or a freelance person who fixes your own car, in this [Frenkit](https://www.frenkit.es/en?hsLang=en) post we will explain you when and how to disassemble a [brake caliper](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/what-is-a-brake-caliper?hsLang=en) and how hard it is to change brake calipers that exist. <https://blog.frenkit.es/es/ventajas-y-desventajas-de-reparar-tu-mismo-pinza-y-bomba-de-freno?hsLang=en>

## **Maintenance plan for a brake caliper and when to dismantle it**

**The components of hydraulic brake systems are constantly exposed to enormous stresses.** Due to cold, heat or vibrations, material fatigue can occur in the brake calipers of your vehicle over the course of time. In addition, water splashes, especially salt water, as well as dirt (dust, particles, etc.) cause corrosion, which hinders the movement of the vehicle components both externally and internally.

For safety reasons, it is important to be aware the special inspections and maintenance work must be carried out from time to time if we do not want to suffer from the [brake caliper sticking](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/is-your-brake-caliper-stuck-find-out-why?hsLang=en). The best time to do this is at the end of the winter season, because the components of the braking system are more exposed to the weather. By a vehicle inspection and maintenance work we mean:

- Visual examinations.
- Functional checks and verifications.
- Internal examinations of wheel brakes.
- Braking system efficiency checks.

[![Nueva llamada a la acción](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7520036/1943009c-f85f-4da1-9fa0-27b37a62d167.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7520036/1943009c-f85f-4da1-9fa0-27b37a62d167)

## **How to replace brake calipers assembly**

In order to correctly [paint a brake caliper](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/how-to-paint-brake-calipers-options-and-prices?hsLang=en), you must first know to [replace brake caliper](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/situations-when-you-should-change-your-brake-caliper?hsLang=en). Each [type of brake caliper](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/what-types-of-brake-calipers-exist?hsLang=en) has certain steps that must be followed for proper brake caliper assembly maintenance:

### **Maintenance of front or rear floating brake caliper**

- **Inspect: **  
    - **Inner and outer pads.** Replace the pads if the thickness is less than the manufacturer’s recommended thickness. It is important to replace both at the same time.  
      **![How to dismantle a brake caliper 2](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%202.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%202.jpg)**
    - **Clamp bracket.** Replace the clamp bracket if it is rusted, worn or damaged.
- **Remove and dismantle:** 
    - **Piston.** Remove the pistons from inside the caliper. Suggestions for doing the from least to most accessible are as follows (keep your hands out of the brake caliper if air pressure is applied):  
      a) Use two screwdrivers to prise out the pistons without damaging the working area.   
      b) Place a towel or soft material between the pistons and the caliper body. Then apply a little pressurised air to the brake fluid inlet until they are completely out. Keep your hands away from the caliper if pressurised air is applied as the piston may come out at high speed. ![Imagen 1](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/Imagen%201.png?width=25&name=Imagen%201.png)  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 3](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%203.jpg?width=450&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%203.jpg)  
      c) With a claw extractor.  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 4](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%204.jpg?width=270&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%204.jpg)In the case of a **rear caliper,** remove the piston by operating the parking brake lever. To remove the internal components of the piston, use **circlip pliers** (pliers used to compress a clamp) to remove the **clamp** (retaining ring) that holds the components inside.   
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 5](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%205.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%205.jpg)You can help yourself with pliers to remove the components inside the piston
    - **Piston dust cap and flat seal.** Remove the seal taking care not to damage the groove in the caliper where it is located and discard the dust cap and seal.   
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 6](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%206.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%206.jpg)
    - **Bleeder/purging.**
    - **Parking brake lever and internal caliper components.** In the rear brake caliper assembly, the bolts holding the parking brake lever and the brake line bracket must be removed.   
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 7](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%207.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%207.jpg)Next, remove the clamp that holds the internal components positioned inside the clamp and remove the components.    
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 8](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%208.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%208.jpg)
    - **Clean the piston, internal (rear caliper) components, caliper body and bleeder with denatured alcohol.** Make sure that no through holes are obstructed. Blow dry with pressurised air (if not available let it dry without using anything that could contaminate it) and use, if necessary, a wire brush or a sand blower without damaging the inside of any holes in the caliper body (cover the holes with tape).
- **Inspect:** 
    - **Piston.** Replace the piston in case of scratches, nicks, corrosion, wear or obvious damage.  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 9](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%209.jpg?width=450&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%209.jpg)
    - **Caliper body.** Replaces the caliper body in case the interior where the pistons are located is damaged, corroded or damaged. 
- **Install:** 
    - **Guide dust cap.** Push the new dust cap over the small diameter end of the guide. Make sure that the inner lip of the dust cap sits in the groove of the guide.   
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 10](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2010.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2010.jpg)
    - **Components inside the piston.** In case of a rear caliper with a parking brake mechanism, re-insert the checked components inside the piston in the correct order and position.
    - **Internal caliper components,** again, in case of rear brake calipers you have to place the components in the correct order inside the caliper. To fit the clamp you will need to use a circlip caliper and then fit the brake lever and the brake line bracket.
- **Lubricate** on the flat seals and grooves of the caliper body, on the surface of the pistons and guides using piston and guide grease, respectively.
- **Install and connect:** 
    - **New seals.** Insert the rubber seal into the groove inside the bore of the caliper body and make sure it is positioned correctly for proper sealing with the piston.
    - **New dust covers and pistons.** Install the dust cap over the throat part of the piston and insert the piston into the caliper. Then fix the dust cap on the caliper.  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 11](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2011.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2011.jpg)
    - **Bleeder.** Mount the bleeder on the clamp body. Tightening torque must be specified by the manufacturer.  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 12](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2012.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2012.jpg)
    - **Guides in the clamp bracket.** Insert the guides into the clamp bracket making sure that the dust covers are properly seated in the groove of the clamp.
    - **Caliper.** Mount the caliper bracket on the car with the respective bolts. The tightening force must be in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
    - **Plates** (inner and outer pad on the caliper bracket). Hook the plates at both ends so as to engage tightly clamped together and fit the brake pads. 

- **Inspect the piston and dust cap.** Check that the dust caps are correctly positioned in the piston groove.
- **Connect:** 
    - **Assembly of the clamp body.** Place the caliper body in the operating position. Make sure that the pads slide freely on the plates.  
      ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 13](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2013.jpg?width=450&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2013.jpg)
    - **New lead screws.** The tightening torque must be as specified by the manufacturer.
    - **Install the bolt, new washers and fitting** and screw them into the body. The tightening force shall be according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- **Inspect:** Check for leaks, if any check the caliper or connecting pipes and correct the fault. Check the [brake master cylinder](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/what-is-a-brake-pump-or-master-cylinder-and-what-is-it-used-for?hsLang=en) reservoir level and top up to the specified level with fresh brake fluid. Start the engine and press the pedal slowly and firmly three times to ensure that the piston remains in the operating position. You should also pull the handbrake to check that the mechanism operates correctly and compresses the brake disc. Check the brake fluid level again, as it may have dropped as it is distributed through the system.
- **Purge: Make sure there is no air left inside the system.  **
- **Connect the wheel.** The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. 

[![\[Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing the repair of your car's brake calipers and master cylinders\]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7520036/170b6983-48b6-4cb4-8442-546fe7c9540d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7520036/170b6983-48b6-4cb4-8442-546fe7c9540d)

 

### **Fixed brake caliper maintenance**

- **Inspect:** 
    - **Piston(s).** Replace piston(s) in case of cracks, nicks, corrosion, wear or obvious damage. ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 9](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%209.jpg?width=450&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%209.jpg)
    - **Caliper.** Replace the caliper if the inside where the pistons are located is scratched, corroded or damaged.
- **Lubricate the flat seals and grooves of the caliper with** enough piston grease on the inside of the seal and inside of the caliper and pistons, using enough piston grease on the outside surface.
- **Connect and install:**
- **Bleeder.** Mount the bleeder on the clamp body. The tightening torque must be as specified by the manufacturer.   
  ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 17](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2017.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2017.jpg)
- **Clamp screws. Place the small flat seal on the connecting surface of both parts of the clamp.** Lubricate the screws and join both parts of the clamp.   
  ![How to dismantle a brake caliper 18](https://blog.frenkit.es/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2018.jpg?width=467&name=How%20to%20dismantle%20a%20brake%20caliper%2018.jpg)

- **Inspect:** Check for leaks, if any check caliper and correct error. Check the master cylinder reservoir level and top up to the specified level with fresh brake fluid. Start the engine and depress the pedal slowly and firmly three times to ensure that the piston remains in the operating position. Check the brake fluid level again, as it may have dropped as it is distributed through the system.
- **Connect and install the wheel.** The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Now that you know how to disassemble a brake caliper, at Frenkit, a [brake part distributor](https://frenkit.es/en?hsLang=en), we offer a service based on commitment and customer satisfaction. Are you a professional or do you fix your own car? [Access our user area](https://www.frenkit.es/en/acceso-de-usuarios?hsLang=en) and find the reference you need or take a look at our catalogues.

Also discover [how to release the electric parking brake](https://blog.frenkit.es/en/how-to-release-electric-parking-brake?hsLang=en) on our blog. 

[![Nueva llamada a la acción](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7520036/57ecf2ae-7757-4ff4-8e25-3426c3b2fdcd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7520036/57ecf2ae-7757-4ff4-8e25-3426c3b2fdcd)

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