Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Rear Brake Caliper Problems

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Norm03s, Dec 9, 2015.

  1. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

    May 5, 2009
    4,936
    534
    0
    Working at being retired.
    Somewhere in Sykesville. Md.
    Ratings:
    +534 / 0 / -0
    why am I having such a hard time screwing in my rear brake pistons?
     
  2. myles2go

    myles2go Active Member

    May 7, 2012
    589
    223
    43
    collecting a paycheck
    WI
    Ratings:
    +263 / 0 / -1
    I don't know. You have to turn and push them in.
     
  3. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Dec 22, 2009
    5,559
    4,419
    113
    Male
    Overland Park, Ks
    Ratings:
    +5,003 / 1 / -0
    I've seen a few where the pads are really worn out and the piston is all the way out, that makes it harder to re-engage the threads. The only way to overcome that is just to push really hard while turning the piston, until the threads re-engage.

    If that isn't your issue (the piston turns freely but doesn't screw in) and you're having trouble with the tool binding? (piston turns freely then locks) then you have to release the nut on the inside of the tool a bit as you screw the piston back in.

    If the piston just doesn't turn it could be corrosion in the caliper, in which case you need new ones.

    Some more info on your end would help
     
  4. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

    May 5, 2009
    4,936
    534
    0
    Working at being retired.
    Somewhere in Sykesville. Md.
    Ratings:
    +534 / 0 / -0
    The pads were really shot, I got one the side to screw in, This side turns and turns but doesn't seem to engage the threads. I had to take a break and ask. Guess I'll just push harder.
     
  5. Norm03s

    Norm03s New Member

    May 5, 2009
    4,936
    534
    0
    Working at being retired.
    Somewhere in Sykesville. Md.
    Ratings:
    +534 / 0 / -0
    Thanks Dave, I went back out and bingo, it screwed right in.
    Have you found your lower guide pins get really tight? I have the bronze ones, it seems dry but it's awful tight, so was the other side. Only the lower one.
     
  6. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Dec 22, 2009
    5,559
    4,419
    113
    Male
    Overland Park, Ks
    Ratings:
    +5,003 / 1 / -0
    They need to move freely, either with lubricant or by polishing them off a bit....
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    8,767
    2,547
    113
    Bend, OR USA
    Ratings:
    +2,678 / 1 / -0
    LUBE THEM PINS ! !

    :D
     
  8. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

    Jan 4, 2015
    5,360
    883
    113
    Male
    physician
    York, Pa
    Ratings:
    +1,107 / 0 / -1
    I had one of my guide pins flare out at the side where the allen wrench
    went in, making it a very tight fit in the Tyrol brass guides. I had a hard
    time getting it out, in fact, and when I replaced it with a new pin, it was
    perfectly fine.
    I think the lesson is: don't overtighten the pins.
     
  9. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

    Feb 24, 2015
    401
    215
    43
    Texas
    Ratings:
    +215 / 0 / -0
    Definitely lube the pins after cleaning them up. I'd replace them if they are pitted or scored. In a pinch, you can source cheap replacement pins for a MINI at your local parts store (Autozone, etc.)
     
  10. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
    1,404
    688
    113
    Pilot
    Southern NH
    Ratings:
    +688 / 0 / -0
    They might have siezed....
    I know the time I forced them in, it was very hard on one side...about 30-50% through the next set of pads, it was toast....siezed fulley...keep your eyes not for a spare IMO. You will likely need it.
     

Share This Page