Caliper Replacement Question
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 63
From: Los Angeles/Ventura, CA
Caliper Replacement Question
When replacing the driver’s front caliper, how do I keep fluid from leaking all over the place. I’ve got a small locking pliers that I could use to clamp the line but I’m worried I would damage the line.
I’ve also got some plugs in my MityVac kit but I don’t think they will work with the adapter on the end of the line.
I will be flushing the whole system post install so maybe I just let it drip as I swap calipers. If I did this I’d likely fill the brake fluid reservoir up first just in case.
I’ve never done this job before and greatly appreciate any and all guidance.
I’ve also got some plugs in my MityVac kit but I don’t think they will work with the adapter on the end of the line.
I will be flushing the whole system post install so maybe I just let it drip as I swap calipers. If I did this I’d likely fill the brake fluid reservoir up first just in case.
I’ve never done this job before and greatly appreciate any and all guidance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,860
Likes: 2,335
From: WV
I just place a pan under it and hurry. It’s a slow, annoying type of drip.
For me I tend to follow this process:
—Break the hose bolt loose so it’s barely snug before removing the caliper.
—Have new caliper nearby.
—Remove caliper.
—Remove Hose bolt which should be easy to bump loose with a ratchet. (or I’d probably use my small Dewalt nowadays lol)
—Swap new caliper over and hand start to truck.
—Install hose. (Thus minimizing leak time)
—Finish install.
But I’ve had things go sideways in the process and not had any issues with losing all the fluid.
Do not crimp the hose. Also don’t let the caliper hang from the hose. The hoses can break internally and cause issues by acting like a check valve. I use old S hooks from a bungee cord to hang the calipers from the springs on cars with struts when doing brake work. Zip ties also work. Seems like on the truck I lay it on the leaf spring, but it’s been a while.
Note, I now check all the piston rubbers for good seal before installing a new caliper. Have had issues with them not being good from the reman process in the past. The last one I put on my Scion I actually removed the rubber, covered sealing areas with dielectric grease, then reinstalled.
For me I tend to follow this process:
—Break the hose bolt loose so it’s barely snug before removing the caliper.
—Have new caliper nearby.
—Remove caliper.
—Remove Hose bolt which should be easy to bump loose with a ratchet. (or I’d probably use my small Dewalt nowadays lol)
—Swap new caliper over and hand start to truck.
—Install hose. (Thus minimizing leak time)
—Finish install.
But I’ve had things go sideways in the process and not had any issues with losing all the fluid.
Do not crimp the hose. Also don’t let the caliper hang from the hose. The hoses can break internally and cause issues by acting like a check valve. I use old S hooks from a bungee cord to hang the calipers from the springs on cars with struts when doing brake work. Zip ties also work. Seems like on the truck I lay it on the leaf spring, but it’s been a while.
Note, I now check all the piston rubbers for good seal before installing a new caliper. Have had issues with them not being good from the reman process in the past. The last one I put on my Scion I actually removed the rubber, covered sealing areas with dielectric grease, then reinstalled.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 63
From: Los Angeles/Ventura, CA
I hate to be dumb but doesn’t depressing the brake pedal force fluid through the brake line?
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 418
Likes: 178
From: Piedmont of N.C.
It pushes the master cylinder piston out and the rest of the fluid in the master cylinder cannot escape!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
It looks like others have touched on it. I really don't see the problem of the fluid dripping out as long as the master cylinder doesn't empty. I happen to like changing my brake fluid when I swap out pads.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
The 5403 is the base Ford part number for the caliper. That's the important one.
All the other numbers are internal control numbers like which foundry cast them, design revision, specific mold used, etc even time of day it was cast. Things that should not matter to the consumer.
All the other numbers are internal control numbers like which foundry cast them, design revision, specific mold used, etc even time of day it was cast. Things that should not matter to the consumer.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 63
From: Los Angeles/Ventura, CA
Thank you. Does it matter that the OD of the new caliper pistons is about 1/8” smaller than the original?
Interestingly the piston wall thickness is substantially thicker than the originals.
Interestingly the piston wall thickness is substantially thicker than the originals.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
That's a neat observation, thanks! Can I pester you for pics?
I wasn't in the room but I'd expect those differences are intentional, due to design revisions. A revised part is gonna be better, or they'd never go to the expense of messing with it.
The best we can go by is part number as sold, and there's a lot of regulatory compliance that protects us.
I wasn't in the room but I'd expect those differences are intentional, due to design revisions. A revised part is gonna be better, or they'd never go to the expense of messing with it.
The best we can go by is part number as sold, and there's a lot of regulatory compliance that protects us.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Let it drain out into a container of your choosing. Don't clamp the hose or you'll run a chance of damaging the flexible part of the hose. You want to replace all the brake fluid anyway. When you're finished with the hardware installation, do a system flush and be done.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 458
Auto parts store. They sell packages of variously sized (and colored) nylon vacuum caps. There will be one in there you can shove into the brake line fitting hole with the butt end of the nylon cap to plug it. No clamping on the rubber flex hose. That will damage it.