I've split my cortina calipers to replace the piston seals but can't budge the piston, even with holding them in the vice. Any cures for this, or do I need recon ones. I also read after in the Haynes that you should never split capilers, but it didn't say why, how come?

You shouldnt split them cos there are rubber seals in between the two halvs,to pop tht pistons,bolt the two halvs together again and blow down the fluid inlet if you have compressed air(an old tyre valve and a petrol station airline will do),put something down the middle of the pistons as they come out at quite a rate,and wrap them in a decent rag to save fluid going everywhere

thanks conrod, the little seals inside are ok. Can't see them moving for compressed air if they don't budge in a vice, but I'll give it a go down the garage...

Hi All -

Haynes is right - don't split calipers. Correct grade replacement bridge bolts are apparently in the rocking horse s**t category. These *must* be replaced every time the caliper body is split.

Dick Axtell

i got a pair of calipers in the garage Jasper, i will be going to Newark show if you want me to take em there, a pack o fags buys em ?

failing that i could send em parcel post from work but they would want paying, around £6 last time i used it....any good ?
p.s. i'm back.

The first mistake of many I'm sure, serves me right in cracking on before I got my Haynes. I'm a bit prone to taking things apart and reading the instructions afterwards...won't be doing that again. Have left the axel in one piece for the grinding and cleaning up, didn't fancy dimantling that.

Cheers Jon, I will taken them, I'll post u a cheque if that's ok, as I won't be getting to Newark. Email me your address and I'll send u a tenner to cover it all if that's ok.

How was the trip? Bet you were looking forward to getting back to the 'blade'.