Xantia Rear Disc Calipers - Advice Required

[Guest oldfudger]

Hi all

 

my first post (go easy on me)

need to get the pistons moving on the calipers on both rear wheels of my xantia 1.9 td estate (r reg)for mot,

 

do i need to take whole caliper off, if so how (any potential problems)

 

or can they be freed on car ?

 

cheers todd

[Guest Xantia Pilot]

Because the brakes operate on rust-protective LHM fluid, it seems unlikely that the pistons would seize due to corrosion. Mind you, we don't spray the roads with salt where I live.

 

To drive the piston back to make room for a new (thicker) brake pad, levering using a large screwdriver will do the job. Lifting the rear wheels clear of the ground with a jack should release any pressure behind the piston

Good idea to bleed fluid from the 8mmaf hollow nut, because the oil in the brake lines does not circulate and can go stale and dark. Bleeding can be done with the motor running and someone pressing the brake pedal.

 

If taking off the caliper, main thing to be careful of is when reconnecting the brake line. Dirt, damaged seals and crossed threads are the things to guard against.

[Guest xantiav6]

If they are not seriously seized you can do it on the car... Remove the pads and lever the pistons so they move...

 

Remember rear xantia brakes dont do a lot of work if any with an empty boot.. If you want them to work especially for mot put a couple of concerete slabs in the boot. They work on the concept of the more weight in the rear the more effective they will be...

 

Paul