Should I split a brake caliper?

How to pull down and
re-assemble brake calipers.

Most two-pot brake calipers are simple mechanical devices designed to firmly clamp a rotating brake disc between two friction pads, or brake pads… which provides the stopping power.

All brake calipers at some point in time will require servicing, which requires a complete pull down, a thorough clean, and close inspection for any wear and or damage, and replacement of seals, and perhaps corroded caliper pistons. (Stainless steel pistons are the best.)

But alas, you’ve been told by superior beings “DO NOT” under any circumstance dismantle the brake calipers. Why?

The video below will help dispel that myth.

After the caliper unit has been removed from the car and placed onto the workbench, we can begin to dismantle each caliper “one at a time” so as not to mix the parts up, and end up putting certain bits back in the wrong place thereby creating a miss match.

So, instead of writing a lengthy piece on the pull down and re-assemble process, we created a video to help the DIY mechanic to confidently dismantle a pair of front 12 SP brake calipers and re-build them to as new condition.

Working on brake calipers does not generally require special tools, (apart from a good torque wrench.) Most DIY home workshop mechanics would be able to carry out a pull down, rebuild, and replacement of the brake caliper seals, and then be able to torque the high tensile bolts up to the specified torque figures.

If you are interested in a thorough restoration of the Lotus elan rear brake calipers then jump to this page.