Brake caliper pistons

Is there a right or wrong direction to install the brake caliper pistons?

When I removed the pistons from the calipers, they had the solid face side facing the brake pad. Every YouTube video I've watched of a Honda brake caliper being rebuilt shows the open end of the barrel facing outwards towards the brake pad; which is completely opposite of how I removed them. These calipers have never been touched since new. I would think the way I found them installed would require a lot more fluid in the caliper to fill the entire piston with brake fluid.

Calipers, pistons and seals were all in good shape and came apart easily. I've still got some cleaning to do today to the lands for the piston's seals. But they look really good. Even though the pistons looked good and could clean up great, I went with complete rebuild kits from BrakeCrafter's. I'm about to dig into the caliper bodies now and do a real deep clean inside and out. Then back together they go.

 

Nice photos and your brake parts look great!

Pretty straight forward job, once you get the first one done and realize how everything goes together.

I used Joe Nelson's tutorials (see below) as well as the FSM and other service manuals for reference.

https://v4dreams.com/maintenance.html

23. Brake Caliper Disassembly

2. Rear Caliper Sleeve Replacement ('86-87)

Make sure you lay all kinds of protection cloths and rags over your bike areas to protect them from any spilled brake fluid. That stuff is very nasty!

 

I use brake fluid only - as a lubricant for reassembly of the new seals and pistons.

 

If everything is going to be used soon, no issues. But if your are rebuilding to be used in the future, the brake fluid with absorb moisture and crystallize, making a mess. That was the last time I ever used brake fluid for assembly. Plus I fucking hate brake fluid, so any time not having an open bottle around or having to smell it or be around it... bonus.

Personal choice: Millers Oils Red Rubber Grease, "for piston seals in brake circuit applications". West Yorkshire, England

 

Yes - this has always been my scenario.......but appreciate the head's up on the other scenario.

 

I still use O-ring lube for the seals. Has worked just fine in the past. The first piston I put back together I put them in backwards. Just kept taking brake fluid..hahaha