Testing for brake caliper piston retraction #1318

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Published 2016-06-28

Stripping down a brake caliper, cleaning the components & fitting new seals and pistons is something all mechanics do, some more than others. But understanding how the caliper really works helps to diagnose faults and know what part is really causing the problem...

A true understanding of piston retraction, what effects it, how its achieved & problems associated with too much or too little is often misunderstood.

Whilst rebuilding the 4 Yamaha Viking calipers I decided to make a quick video which will help explain what its all about...

Andy Mechanic!

All Comments (21)

@AK-mi6ep 1 year ago

This is really good. Finally, a video that explains how and why the pistons extend and retract. Thanks.
@letsjustbuildit6163 2 years ago

Mate. Thank you for finally explained this. Was scratching my head wondering how piston retraction worked.
@Onei1y 1 year ago

Fantastic… just rebuilt my rear brake calliper and was mulling over this exact concern before I test. Brilliantly explained and illustrated. Many Thanks. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@BaliMystic 4 months ago

i never thought of using air to test like you did. Great tip and demo.
@Michael-jp9jw 4 years ago

Just the information I was looking for! I have always wondered how much the brake piston actually retracts after letting off the brake pedals. Thanks for posting the video, now I'm ready to work on my front brakes.
@andywright2606 4 years ago

Great explanation of how piston retracting works Andy. I've heard the theory before but seeing it work like that makes it very clear,. Thanks mate
@AlistairDsilva 4 years ago

Fantastic video...thanks Andy...this is exactly the video I was looking for to understand how much the pistols need to move back in as I have recently rebuilt my calipers on the CBR
@garystacey6697 4 years ago

Just what I needed Brilliant video Andy , got my breaks to fix now I no what to do thanks from the UK .
@carllattimore8227 3 years ago

You answered several questions about my brake issue with that one demonstration!
@gustavolizarraga4322 1 year ago

professional info, no one else in youtube explaines how the seals work, just fantastic
@justme197511 6 years ago

Andy your brilliant, thanks for sharing, cheers Mate...
@wyattoneable 8 years ago

Great visual on the pistons. I like the tool set up you have, pretty handy.
@cjalfonso2212 7 months ago

Perfect, this was exactly the info that I was seeking on how to fit and test calipers
@TechnicianRed 2 years ago

Thanks so much for this video! 4 sticking reman calipers in a row here. Time to remove and test them like this and rebuild them myself if need be.
@pabroon74 1 month ago

What a great and useful video. Thumbs up.
@kentmacdonald9089 3 years ago

Wonderful explanation and demo! Thank you!
@gadgetsolutions 4 years ago

Really helpful. Thanks. Now I know why my brakes are binding and how to check the pistons retract after repairing.
@richarddebideen6371 5 years ago

Wonderful video indeed, keep up the good work.
@craigmulder3124 3 years ago

Thanks for the retraction explanation, cool
@SteveRobReviews 8 years ago

Well that was a great tip. Cheers