Hit a bit of a brick wall on this one I’ve took one caliber off and removed the piston but there is a threaded fitting and a very high tension spring held in by a circlip that is in the old piston. I’ve managed to take it out but there is no way it’s going back in the new piston unless I have 4 shredded wheat and grow muscles like Garth - I must have done something wrong when I took it out so any help would be appreciated
- My model of MX-5 is: mk3 2005 nc
- I’m based near: Notts/Lincs
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Rear Brake Piston
Not on the MX5 calipers but on similar calipers I have used a valve spring compressor to push the insert in to the piston whilst Fitting the circlip.
If the thread inside the fitting is right handed - you could thread a long bolt in to it and use a vice to push it in whilst fitting the circlip.
I’ve done a search and found the below - I was thinking of trying the below
I have just been down this route on with my Mk3 on standard brakes; refurbed the fronts (including a replacement piston) and then - buoyed by my success - went on to have a go at the rears.
The key wrinkle I found is that if your kit is like mine, then the replacement rear pistons are “bare” and you will need to transfer across the handbrake wind-back mechanism from inside the current pistons. This is “fun” as you will have to release a circlip which is under pressure from a spring. You will then need to fit the mechanism into the new piston, for which I used a desktop vice and appropriate size socket to squeeze and seat the “well-lubed” circlip, spring and washer down into the new piston.
That aside, there is the added tasks to slacken off the handbrake cable ahead of the removal, along with the post-refurb adjustment.
Should work.
Similar to second suggestion I made but they used a socket rather than a bolt.
How did you get on with the handbrake inserts ?
I have just done mine tonite.
Find a long socket that will go all the way down the piston bore ( mine was a 17mm )
Line up everything in the piston ( make sure the sharp edge of the circlip is UP )
Place the 17mm long socket on to the circlip.
Ensure the assembly can be pressed down a little to ensure alignment.
Give the end of the socket a swift tap with a deadblow and the circlip will snap right in to place.
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