Thanks for your patience with me with this so far!

 

As I mentioned in a different thread, the my front driver's side caliper was refusing to rewind when we went to change the brake pads, meaning we couldn't fit the new pads.

 

A few people suggested it might be down to corrosion... anyway, we've taken the actual caliper off and tried to rewind it but it wouldn't budge. It appears to be much futher out than it should be. So I'm wondering how easy it is to strip down and rebuild the caliper, and whether anyone knows of a good set of instructions (possibly a vid) of how to do it? The caliper's the FSIII that's found on a lot of VAG cars (I'm guessing its standard on the MK1 Fabia but just in case).

 

Looked on ebay and some jokers want up to £90 for them.

 

Also, I'm guessing I'll probably need a new seal for the piston. Could anyone give me a part number or link to the right one?

 

Any tips/advice also appreciated.

 

Cheers.

Edited 20 June, 201510 yr by alessio92

Also, if picking up a spare on ebay, anything I should look for or be wary of?

For starters the front calipers are not rewind the piston pushes in using a g clamp or similar.

Second as from what ive guessed you dont have the knowledge to do that job

Your best bet is to buy another caliper from local parts factor who will take your old one in exchange.

Thats what i did.much easier less hassle than rebuilding it.

But good luck to you.

Ps get your self a haynes manual ;-)

you tried pushing piston back with a G clamp? front pistons should just push in. loosen the bleed nipple a little before pushing back.

 

Only ever needed to undo bleed nipple cos piston was a pig to push in.otherwise ive just undo fluid resevoir cap then pushed piston back with clamp. Either way works

I've bought a caliper on ebay now.

Anyone know what I search for to find the right seals?

I've bought a caliper on ebay now.

Anyone know what I search for to find the right seals?

 

Which seals?

Need to make sure u know exactly which caliper u have as there r a couple different ones. ATE etc. Bigg red r spot on for rebuild kits.

Different varieties of the FSIII?

Which seals?

The seal(s) for the piston/caliper?

The seal(s) for the piston/caliper?

 

But if you've bought a working caliper you won't need the seals. Or do you mean you want to overhaul it anyway?

 

I believe these are the seals for the FSIII caliper (part number 8N0698471)   http://www.skodaparts.com/products

 

And on ebay...

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-SKODA-FRONT-BRAKE-CALIPER-PISTON-SEAL-KIT-8N0698471-/321635907851

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-brake-caliper-seal-kit-Audi-A3-S3-TT-Golf-MK4-8N0698471-New-genuine-Audi-/171789379791?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27ff71e8cf

Thanks. The caliper I've bought is, I think, a recovered one. I've messaged the guy to check that it comes with intact seals but I want to be prepared so that if not, I can order the seals immediately.

 

Really appreciate the help guys.

The circlip inside the caliper is a real pain in the ass to remove and replace.

Be prepared.

The bloke messaged me back and said that the caliper is ready to fit so it should be simple?

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/274004-caliper-rebuilding/#entry3302203

The circlip inside the caliper is a real pain in the ass to remove and replace.

Be prepared.

 

Don't think there's any circlip on FSIII front calipers.

Ahh. Thought it would be similar to the rears inside.

Cheers all.

 

I've got the new caliper on and have fitted the brake pads to the caliper but the gap between them is too narrow to fit over the new brake disc. I'm pretty sure the caliper's wound as far as it'll go and there's barely any play in the length of the brake pipe to let me slide it on a different way. Any thoughts?

I've forgotten, but can you not unclip the brake hose from its storage place - I seem to remember messing about with a hose retaining clip somewhere! Have you bought a Haynes manual yet to help you a bit? If the disc is the correct vented disc, the pads the correct pads, then your new calliper, if it is the same FSIII one as previously fitted, then it must only be down to the piston not being pressed far enough back into the calliper.

Cheers all.

I've got the new caliper on and have fitted the brake pads to the caliper but the gap between them is too narrow to fit over the new brake disc. I'm pretty sure the caliper's wound as far as it'll go and there's barely any play in the length of the brake pipe to let me slide it on a different way. Any thoughts?

If you have correct pads and discs.

And the piston is retracted back as far as it will go.then you should not have a prob fitting it together.

I had to fit new discs and pads at weekend as my discs were warped. Took me just over an hr.

What size disc you get?

I've forgotten, but can you not unclip the brake hose from its storage place - I seem to remember messing about with a hose retaining clip somewhere! Have you bought a Haynes manual yet to help you a bit? If the disc is the correct vented disc, the pads the correct pads, then your new calliper, if it is the same FSIII one as previously fitted, then it must only be down to the piston not being pressed far enough back into the calliper.

Ah, that's a point. I'll have a look at unclipping the pipe. Haven't bought a Haynes yet - simply haven't got round to it.

I presume all FS-IIIs are the same? The new and old are both definitely FS-III.

 

 

If you have correct pads and discs.

And the piston is retracted back as far as it will go.then you should not have a prob fitting it together.

I had to fit new discs and pads at weekend as my discs were warped. Took me just over an hr.

What size disc you get?

The discs are the same size as the ones I took off but they're mintex. I think the piston must just not be fully wound then.

 

Cheers

The brand of disc wont make a difference lol.

I had mintex before now got brembos still not bedded in yet but very good so far.

Btw have you taken brake fluid resevoir cap of or opened bleed screw a fraction to push piston back.you wont get bk fully if not.

I use a large G clamp to push the piston back. Never need to remove the reservoir cap or undo a bleed nipple.