Hi all. I’ve had a problem with sticking brake pads. Today I’ve removed wheel to see what might be wrong. Disc and pads were okay, but when I disassembled them, I’ve noticed that brake piston is not moving all the way back causing pads too keep braking even when brake pedal is not pressed. I couldn’t move the piston back, so I thought, that some WD40 under the cylinder gasket will do the job. It still didn’t move at all. I thought, if I press brake pedal it will move forward and then it will slide easier, so I will be able to push it back without effort… That was stupid idea… I’ve ended up having piston completely out of cylinder, with no way to put it back.
I’ve tried to remove hose but hexagon nuts won’t move, if I use force my key just slide around… I feel terrible, just as I’ve ruined my car. If there is a way to deal with it , please let me know. Now I know I shouldn’t have touched it. Calling for towing and repairs at mechanic would be too expensive for me I suppose, so If I won’t be able to do it on my own, sooner or later I will be forced to sell or scrap my Miata
You’ll nee to remove the rust build up from inside the caliper bore to get the piston back in. Remove the rubber seal and dust boot and carefully clean up the rust from the surfaces that would contact the piston. Check that the piston moves freely into and out of the bore without the rubber seals in. The piston needs to be in good condition too, not pitted at all. You then need to refit the rubber components if they are still serviceable and get the piston back in.
I fear you may be out of your depth a bit here. If maybe best if you refit the caliper how it is and try again to remove the hose using a 6 sided socket, then buy a reconditioned brake caliper. you’ll then have to bleed the air out of the system.
Is it worth taking a risk with brakes? I really think that you should get some advise/help from someone who knows about brakes.
Post this on the Scottish forum and see if anyone in the Edinburgh area can assist you.
I agree with Robbie you need some help and I think you are out your depth at the moment but that may be sorted if someone can help.
http:/www.mx5scotland.co.uk
Sorry to say, if you have no knowledge in hydraulics you have dug yourself a big hole.
As others have said, get help from someone who knows, it’s just a pity you don’t live locally.
The car needs a mechanic . You also need a recon caliper so suggest you buy one and get a mobile mechanic out to fix it for you. That will get around the towing fee.