Brake caliper question

Good day all,
I have a 2006 Tacoma Base 4-wheel drive with 49,000 miles. I just replaced the brake pads (why is another topic). The question: when pushing the pistons back into the calipers, on both sides the outer pistons were easy to push in by prying on the old brake pad. The inner pistons on both sides were very hard to push in. I had to use a C-clamp and actually tap on a couple of the pistons with a hammer. Is this normal? All four pads were evenly worn.
Hoodat

 

I'm here for the answers because I'm anticipating replacing mine in the next few months. Kind of want to be prepared for the unexpected. I have over 110,000 miles on mine.

 

It's not normal. Sounds like you're going to need a new/rebuilt caliper soon.

 

No.

the truck is old. You can try rebuilding them. That’s cheaper than replacing. Or get ready to upgrade to 4runner BBK if you need rotors.

I’d hate to need rotors and spend that money on stock small size rather than bigger ones at the same time.

 

Depending on how you compress the pistons, one side can be harder to press in.

I’ve never had an issue when using the correct tool for opposing piston calipers.
I personally don’t think you have an issue at all. Throw the pads on and check for leaks. Then for uneven wear later.


I have a tool similar to this one.

$30 SMOTIVEPRO Heavy Duty Upgrade Disc Brake Pad Spreader Separates Piston Brake Calipers Tool for Auto Repair

https://www.amazon.com/SMOTIVEPRO-U...9dad45081e74331db58e35d784806ed1&gad_source=1

 

Probably corroded. Eventually it will seize and cause hot brakes and worse gas mileage than you already have.
Maybe not in that order but change them soon.

 

Those pistons get dusty and the outer seal gets stuck. If not cleaned out, crud works it's way in the whole piston, it can eventually rust and seize up.

Crud on the inside from not bleeding brakes often, can crud up the pistons as well.

If you rebuild, DO NOT SPLIT THE CALIPER. The inner seal is a square ring and nobody can seem to find them for sale. Just clean reseal the pistons only.

 

I am in the middle of rebuilding mine right now and I can confirm that if you are using an OEM rebuild kit that it will not have the square ring included that seals the caliper halves together. I had to order an aftermarket kit off RockAuto.com to get that washer. It made me dead in the water waiting for it to arrive after already waiting a week for the OEM kit to get here.

Gonna try to get everything back together today and bleed the brakes. MY Taco has been out of commission for 2 weeks now waiting on parts. Had the rotors resurfaced at O'reillys and cleaned and painted calipers while waiting for everything to arrive.

 

Thanks to all who responded. The consensus is obviously that I need to replace my calipers. I'm going to make sure I can get the caliper bolts, and the brake line fitting, loose before I start. There was a lot of corrosion on the pins that hold the pads in.
Hoodat