I'm trying to change the front brakes on my car and I can't get the caliper to open

1989 BUICK ELECTRA
150,000 MILES
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TERRELLB40
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The caliper is too tight and I can't get them to open any further. My first c-clamp broke on me so, I've had to go buy another c-clamp already bcuz the caliper is so tight. What am I doing wrong? My next option is to drain the fluid, but I know I shouldn't have to do that......what can I do differently?
Sep 28, 2013 at 4:05 PM
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HMAC300
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 48,601 POSTS
the caliper is probably frozen so open the bleeder screw and see if it willopen further. you probably need anew caliper anyhow if so replace both of them.
Sep 28, 2013 at 4:29 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 31,937 POSTS
Clamp off the brake hose, you can get a special clamp for this, they are not expensive, and remove the bleeder, this way you will only loose the fluid in the calliper, a minor brake bleed at the brake will be required, if the piston will not retract, it will be seized and the calliper will have to be overhauled.
Sep 28, 2013 at 4:31 PM
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