I have an 03 OBW and decided to check the brakes and do an annual clean/service. Found the bottom calliper pins on both front sides stuck. It took quite a bit of force to get them free and I cleaned up the old calliper lube in there and applied new lube. Then, I found that I couldn't get them back into the hole.

After trying for a few minutes, I found that the little rubber sleeves on the pins have somehow expanded and when I try to push the pin into the hole, the rubber sleeve slides outwards therefore 'jamming' the pin.

So I figured it's probably time to replace them.

Called Autozone, Shucks and they do not seem to have them in stock. Called up the subaru dealer and they told me that it will be $9 per side for the fronts and they have to order them and it will take 4 days to come in.

 

Is this not a commonly replaced part? I have always thought that calliper pins are a commonly replaced part and usually one of the first things that wear on brakes.

Any ideas?

It's always a pain to get those back in they work like manuel pump to push the caliper back when you let off the brake. Take them back off and clean them and dont put as much grease on them, then work them in and out without mounting the caliper. When you get them working right then mount the caliper back on. They should work fine until you get the new ones.

I have an 03 OBW and decided to check the brakes and do an annual clean/service. Found the bottom calliper pins on both front sides stuck. It took quite a bit of force to get them free and I cleaned up the old calliper lube in there and applied new lube. Then, I found that I couldn't get them back into the hole.

After trying for a few minutes, I found that the little rubber sleeves on the pins have somehow expanded and when I try to push the pin into the hole, the rubber sleeve slides outwards therefore 'jamming' the pin.

So I figured it's probably time to replace them.

Called Autozone, Shucks and they do not seem to have them in stock. Called up the subaru dealer and they told me that it will be $9 per side for the fronts and they have to order them and it will take 4 days to come in.

 

Is this not a commonly replaced part? I have always thought that calliper pins are a commonly replaced part and usually one of the first things that wear on brakes.

Any ideas?

Just out of curiosty, what the best way to clean out all the old calliper lube? I usually use q-tips and thin rags but can't seem to get the gunk completely out.

 

So I'm assuming these rubber sleeves do expand over time and it is a normal occurance. This is the first time I've seen these rubber sleeves expand. Usually, it's either the calliper pin slightly bent or worn on one side or slightly rusted.

 

Thanks for letting me know.

I also use Q- tips, I guess you could use WD 40 with the straw to wash it out.

Just out of curiosty, what the best way to clean out all the old calliper lube? I usually use q-tips and thin rags but can't seem to get the gunk completely out.

 

So I'm assuming these rubber sleeves do expand over time and it is a normal occurance. This is the first time I've seen these rubber sleeves expand. Usually, it's either the calliper pin slightly bent or worn on one side or slightly rusted.

 

Thanks for letting me know.

Brake cleaner spray is your best bet for cleaning out the old lube. Put a light coating of grease on the pin with the rubber "seal" on it. Fill up the outside boot with grease. For the "plain" pin, fill the pin hole with grease, insert the pin, and squeeze it in with a vise, C-clamp, large Channelocks, or whatever you have. If you can't get the pin with the "seal" back in after cleaning and lubing, take the "seal" off and pack the pin hole with grease the same way as the other. Make sure to put antisieze on the caliper brackets underneath the pad clips to prevent rust scale buildup. Do the same for the ends of the pads.