Post by Volktales on Mar 4, 2018 21:39:43 GMT -8
Sooo, once again it was yet another out of town hockey game for the kid. For these events, we pretty much always take Rebecca's FJ Cruiser, because it is likely the safest, has no problem accommodating all the hockey gear, and as the newest in the fleet, the least likely to have any problems. So I never take my tool box with me in the FJ, unlike my VWs. Well that didn't work out too good today...
The game was in Port Alberni, so a drive over the mountain was required. On the way down into Port, the 18-wheeler ahead of us had overheating brakes which just about made Rebecca gag because of the bad smell. Once parked up at the rink, I immediately noticed the above wheel. If you know me, you know my rims are NEVER covered in brake dust. Sadly this was an indicator that the brakes were hot, and indeed they certainly were on this rim (left front). So while the kid, Rebecca, and my Dad went in to watch the game, I drove carefully to Canadian Tire and bought my self the necessary hammer, punch, side-cutters, pry bar, pick, file, brake clean, brake grease, and PB Blaster and paper towels, necessary to do a parking lot brake service. Not a lot of fun, but was successful in un-seizing the stuck piston in the caliper. This style of caliper is similar to VW bus calipers, except there are two pistons per half, for a total of four pistons per caliper. Toyota has used this design on a lot of their trucks over the years and they are known for this. I was able to eventually un-stick the piston, pry back the dust boot with a pick, and spray a bunch of the penetrating oil in there. I pried the piston in with the pry bar, and then stepped on the brakes to push it back out. A half a dozen repeats of this procedure and the piston moved freely. I still intend to disassemble the calipers and clean then properly in a week or two and put on some new pads.
Such fun and I completed the job just in time to miss the entire game. And everyone said it was the best game of the year...
The game was in Port Alberni, so a drive over the mountain was required. On the way down into Port, the 18-wheeler ahead of us had overheating brakes which just about made Rebecca gag because of the bad smell. Once parked up at the rink, I immediately noticed the above wheel. If you know me, you know my rims are NEVER covered in brake dust. Sadly this was an indicator that the brakes were hot, and indeed they certainly were on this rim (left front). So while the kid, Rebecca, and my Dad went in to watch the game, I drove carefully to Canadian Tire and bought my self the necessary hammer, punch, side-cutters, pry bar, pick, file, brake clean, brake grease, and PB Blaster and paper towels, necessary to do a parking lot brake service. Not a lot of fun, but was successful in un-seizing the stuck piston in the caliper. This style of caliper is similar to VW bus calipers, except there are two pistons per half, for a total of four pistons per caliper. Toyota has used this design on a lot of their trucks over the years and they are known for this. I was able to eventually un-stick the piston, pry back the dust boot with a pick, and spray a bunch of the penetrating oil in there. I pried the piston in with the pry bar, and then stepped on the brakes to push it back out. A half a dozen repeats of this procedure and the piston moved freely. I still intend to disassemble the calipers and clean then properly in a week or two and put on some new pads.
Such fun and I completed the job just in time to miss the entire game. And everyone said it was the best game of the year...
Rebuilt calipers were installed along with new pads. The front rotors were smooth and undamaged so were re-used. I had also bought new rear pads so these were replaced as well. The rear calipers were fine, but the inner surface on the rear rotors was terrible! More new parts. Add in a full brake fluid flush as well and the parts bill came to $728, which was parts only AND at an employee discount! 
At least while it was on the hoist, I took the time to completely repaint the frame and suspension as well. Still a day working on Toyota's, is a day less for VW time...