Pulling pistons out of callipers

[zx12argh]

I'm stripping my callipers apart to get them powder coated and wondering if anyone has a trick for getting the pistons out. I'm not keen on getting pliers onto them in case I fuck the surface - but if thats the only way.

cheers ;)

[Hillsy]

Compressed air is the easiest (can be messy, but it's easy).

And make sure your powder-coater doesn't get ANY powder inside your caliper bores.

[TurboKat]

Yep, compressed air is the only way to go, just don't have your fingers in the way trying to catch them when they come out because they pop out with a lot of force - enough force to break 2 bones in your fingers actually. :(

[gunnie]

if you use compressed air, just turn down the PSI setting first and be carefull. Otherwise, if you have no access to a compressor, just leave the hyd hose conected but with the caliper removed from the fork and squeeze the lever slowly untill the pistons are almost out, then remove by hand.

[sharky]

I can do 'em at work if you don't have access to c/air mate.

[Jockney Rebel]

,,,,and when u wanna put em back in use a g clamp

[Pommy Chopper]

Put a piece of plate between the pistons and the back of the caliper then wind some air in.
Or put G clamps on each piston and wind them out equally or you may end up blowing one piston out and leaving the other one in there.

Cheers'en

[latheboy]

I found the easiest way was heat the fuck out of it with the oxy then fit it with a sledge hammer ..

[STELF]

I hear ya ivan!!

[oldskool]

AIR!!!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[alfiestorm]

A foot pump held over the banjo bolt hole works just as good but is usually a two man job. I got me a piston removal tool now though basically a small slide hammer fitted with expanding collets to grip the inside of the piston so much easier now.

[zx12argh]

Righto Air seems to be the way - thanks guys. Thanks Rus - i'll see how I go with work - 6 bar shop air should do the trick ;)