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Front brake calipers on my 06 F250 have the metal cap on top of the piston (where it presses against the pads). The previous owner took a chunk out of this metal piece removing the pads (pads have the ***** on back). Is it worth replacing this metal piece while I’m doing pads? Haven’t had any brake issues for the 5 years I’ve owned the truck, just getting ready to do pads and thought this might be a good thing to fix while I’m in there.
Not sure if I can just buy that part or if I’d have to get a whole piston or caliper.
I'm not sure if you can get just the metal cap, or if it's feasible to replace it. You can get pistons for sure. I just did my calipers with new pistons, seals and boots.
Jack do you think it hurts anything having the caps in that state? I assume they are there to primarily protect the phenolic piston from wearing against the metal backer of the pads, but it makes an uneven contact patch. Might explain why these brakes have always squeaked, even after I pulled them apart and lubed everything. They are wearing evening however.
I think you are correct in your assessment. Depending on how much is torn, you could smooth it over with a sanding disc so the stainless is flat. But go lightly.
This caliper was pried off without pushing the pistons back in. The piston on the left had the steel cap completely torn off. The one on the right could be salvaged if one wanted to. But you have to assess if the phenolic piston has a crack, which would probably propagate deeper in service. But the cap could be lightly dressed flat. I would replace both in my world.
Sort of like using bondo. Not sure what temps caliper pistons see but that paste is good to 1000 deg F continuous and 2400 deg F max ($8.17 at Home Depot and Amazon).
A single piston would cost $19 from O'Reilly around here, less from Rock Auto, but shipping ups total plus all the attendant work and hassle involved with replacement -- makes the JB paste seem like a viable option. If one were going to do it, would want to prop up the caliper/piston for stable work.
What's odd is some photos no longer show up in threads for me. Been going on for a while. Jack did you attach the photo to this website or link from another website?
If a crack has started, JB Weld will not stop its progression.
Agreed. I was thinking if it was only missing a portion of the metal cap ring and no damage to the phenolic piston itself, that it would allow for even pressure applied by the piston. But it doesn't sound like it has been an issue other than squeaking for FiveOJester.
As far as the pics go, I see the first one posted by TooManyToys as well as the followup screenshot. Perhaps it has something to do with one's browser or a setting for the browser? I'm using firefox for what it's worth.
Interesting I see your original picture now Jack and the second one you posted. I typically use chrome on my PC. I had also tried Safari on the iPhone and Edge in windows and couldn’t see the pics in any of them. Odd.
From what I recall my pistons looked like the one on the right with a small chunk missing. It’s been 5 years so I’ll just have to pull and inspect the piston for damage.
Changed the pads and inspected the pistons. Just one of the pistons had a chunk missing and the phenolic behind it looked fine. So just installed the new pads and went for it.
What's interesting is the backing plate for that pad was also cracked & bent, probably why that caliper always squeaked and made more brake dust than any other wheel.
New pads are Hawk LTS. Pedal feel and responsiveness is MUCH better than whatever was on there before (no markings, came on the truck when purchased).
PS: Figured out why I can't see images. My work IT decided that whatever website is used for photo hosting is bad so its being blocked. If I visit at home I can see photos just fine. Gotta love IT!
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