I tried installing new pads up front. I can't seem to push the piston in at all! I know its not easy but it isn't budging. The brakes work fine. I bought a piston compressor ages ago, but it broke the first time i used it. Could my problem be that the area where the piston travels is all rusted and it is prohibiting the return? Should i force it in or take the caliper off and have a good look?

 

Things to look at:
1. If you crack the bleeder screw will it go in??? If so your brake hose is probably plugged up. It's a known problem with the front brake hoses... they clog up at the 'joint' where the hose bolts to the strut.
2. If the caliper is rusted up (doesn't want to push in easily after #1) then a rebuilt caliper at Autozone costs a whopping $9.99. Not worth screwing with it yourself for that price.

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'89 Formula - Thunderchicken - 355 Vette L98/T-5/3.45 9-bolt/black/t-tops - the fun car!
'90 GTA - The GTA - 5.0 LB9/TH700/3.27 9-bolt/black/t-tops/tan leather - the cruiser.

 

The bleeder screw idea came to my mind as well. I tried to loosen it, but i nearly rounded the head! When i got the car over a year ago, i think the flex hoses were replaced...i will have to check the receipt.

Hmm, $10? That sounds a little too cheap! But if all else fails, i will do that.

Thanks!

 

Well, if the bleeder won't come loose then try just loosening up the brake hose anyhow.... either the hydraulics are holding it or rust... and if the bleeder's rusted and stuck that bad it's easier to swap the caliper when it's that cheap.

Either way, with a hose or a caliper you'll have to bleed the brake system.

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'89 Formula - Thunderchicken - 355 Vette L98/T-5/3.45 9-bolt/black/t-tops - the fun car!
'90 GTA - The GTA - 5.0 LB9/TH700/3.27 9-bolt/black/t-tops/tan leather - the cruiser.

 

I road race my Camaro SS for fun, and so I rebuild the front calipers at the beginning of a new season just for the peace of mind.

I just got the Formula, so I would recommend at least getting a rebuild kit for it. Do you have service manual for your car? It'll help if you have any questions.

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A black '90 Pontiac Formula with a 305 ci TPI V8, 5 spd, WS6 suspension, 140 mph speedo, 10 disc CD changer & T-tops. Several mods currently on order, with more to follow.

 

I really should actually take the time to look it over well. My winter car (talon) has a bad master cylinder so i have to fix that too.. Both cars have brake problems... not good!

I have a haynes manual but i don't know how good that is with brakes.

How easy is it to push the piston in when the caliper/flex hose is good?

 

It should be easy enough NOT to break a tool!!!
I just stick an old pad on the piston and use either a big C clamp or my giant channel-locks.
Come to think of it... if the bleeder is that rusted up that it won't come easy, your car DIDN'T get new hoses just last year unless you happen to park in a salt mine. They would have had to bleed the brakes then.
Like I said, $9.99 at autozone with a $10 core for a single piston caliper. I got one a few weeks ago.
The worst problem I've had was with the hoses on my old '83. If you got one bad one do yourself a favor and change both NOW.

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'89 Formula - Thunderchicken - 355 Vette L98/T-5/3.45 9-bolt/black/t-tops - the fun car!
'90 GTA - The GTA - 5.0 LB9/TH700/3.27 9-bolt/black/t-tops/tan leather - the cruiser.

 

I think a new caliper is a good idea, i will do that. Also, the passenger side pads have double the wear of the drivers side. The drivers side is the one i am having trouble pushing the piston in. Would that also indicate a faulty caliper?

Thanks for all the help!

 

That probably means that you caliper is hanging up and the seal is not returning the piston to back off the pressure. Also, make sure your caliper bolts are lubed well, that could be a part of your problem.
Your other possibility is that your passenger side might not work correctly and your drivers side works just fine. I would just buy new hoses and calipers. Of all the things on your car, your brakes are definately the most important. Don't try and cut any corners.

 

I have been using the $9.99 Autozone Calipers for a month now with no problems at all. I replaced the rubber lines as well. Brakes work like new. Going to do the same on the rear.

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91 Camaro RS 5.0L Black Convertible 700R4
** Added so far **
*GM Wonderbar
*Alston SFC's
*Turbo City Inj Spacer
*Dual Snorker Air Filter
*March Performance Pulleys
*GM 3.42 Gears with OEM Zexel
*Edelbrock headers
*3" High Flow Cat
*3" Dynomax Exhaust
*Walbro 255 lph Fuel Pump

 

I went to Kar Parts near me, they were also $10!!! I still can't beleive how cheap they are!!!!

I got all new hoses, pads and calipers... havn't had the chance to get it all back together, there are a few other things that i need to take care of first... looks like new though... cool.