I can do pads and discs but never changed a calliper. The rear calliper on my car seems to be leaking, due to another issue on the car I can't take the car anywhere so was thinking about changing it myself. 

Is it a straight forward job? Or is it best to get someone round to do it?

55 minutes ago, jonj1611 said:

I can do pads and discs but never changed a calliper. The rear calliper on my car seems to be leaking, due to another issue on the car I can't take the car anywhere so was thinking about changing it myself. 

Is it a straight forward job? Or is it best to get someone round to do it?

On my MK1 it was straight forward.My advice like any job you are doing for the first time, is know what you are up against, do some research on possible pitfalls and invest in the proper tools.The more you do it the easier and quicker it becomes👍

12 minutes ago, williamweb said:

On my MK1 it was straight forward.My advice like any job you are doing for the first time, is know what you are up against, do some research on possible pitfalls and invest in the proper tools.The more you do it the easier and quicker it becomes👍

 Sorry repeat post👍

I have got more tools than my local garage I think lol. Ok my main issue is the brake line, have never taken a brake line off a calliper before, have bled the brakes before, just not removed the line, concerned about fluid everywhere etc

You can use a brake pipe clamp to stop fluid leaking out.  Though I'm not a fan of them myself, I just let it drip into a bucket or some cardboard.  With the cap on tight it creates a bit of vacuum in the system so it doesn't all pour out anyway.

My tip for this job is firstly to make sure the master cylinder reservoir is topped up, then get a plastic bag, put it over the reservoir opening and screw the vented top on tightly. This will make an air tight seal preventing the fluid from running out when you unscrew the line from the caliper.

Like Tom I have never been a fan of brake pipe clamps, perhaps I should lash out on the recommended type of clamp!

ScaniaPBman.

 

Many thanks, will give that a go.

Out of interest with a leaking caliper, seems to be coming from the main seal, is it better to just get a replacement calliper or those refurb kits any good?

24 minutes ago, jonj1611 said:

Many thanks, will give that a go.

Out of interest with a leaking caliper, seems to be coming from the main seal, is it better to just get a replacement calliper or those refurb kits any good?

I loosened the caliper brake line nut, held it with a spanner and then spun the old caliper off and then spun the new caliper straight back on and then tightened up.I just dropped the old caliper with a small amount of fluid into a plastic bin that I placed under the hub beforehand 👍

24 minutes ago, jonj1611 said:

is it better to just get a replacement calliper or those refurb kits any good?

According to Mr Haynes overhaul kits are not available for rear calipers but I don't know if aftermarket kits are obtainable. However the chances are that some corrosion has built up on the piston which has damaged the seal so if it was me I would change the caliper.

Like Tom I have some reservations about the effects on the hose of using a clamp but I do use one when changing pads to avoid old heat-degraded fluid being pushed back through the system.

Some good info here as I have never had to change one myself but would have confidence if I ever do 😁

1 hour ago, williamweb said:

I loosened the caliper brake line nut, held it with a spanner and then spun the old caliper off and then spun the new caliper straight back on and then tightened up.I just dropped the old caliper with a small amount of fluid into a plastic bin that I placed under the hub beforehand 👍

Just like that? Knowing the luck I am having later it would be seized solid, rotted in the middle and the hose will break in two as I am turning 🙂

Some good advice thanks everyone, I think I will just go for a replacement calliper and try and get the old one off and new one in quickly and see where we are from there. 🙂

16 minutes ago, jonj1611 said:

Just like that? Knowing the luck I am having later it would be seized solid, rotted in the middle and the hose will break in two as I am turning 🙂

Instead of undoing the nut all the way just loosen it hold and spin off the caliper. The hose should not twist.Sorry I have repeated myself but it really was that easy👍

Thank you, luck I'm having at the moment though lol

Looks like the rear calliper is the same across the Focus range, the ST has the same rear calliper as other focuses, can any confirm?