help with a brake job.

[4drdually]

So I finally need pads on my 07. 67k and they are finally done. So I pulled off the front caliper the usual fashion with a pry bar. Turns out there are caps of some sort that cover the pistons in the caliper. Just the rim that contacts the pad. Well the rivets in the brake pads tore a groove in them when I pulled the caliper off. Never seen these things before. So now I need new ones. Anybody know what these things are called or what they are for? I've never seen them on any truck I have ever owned, and I've changed a lot of brakes. My 01 was dual piston, but no caps on the pistons. Do I need these things? I would think so since they were there from the factory.

Dan

[FMTRVT]

The '01 had them as well. It's part of the piston, not a separate cap. In some instances phenolic pistons can edge crumble so the cap provides a more durable surface.

Before breaking out the prybar, it's better to break out the C-clamp and push the pistons back in for clearance which is the usual fashion of working on brakes. There are a number of different models of vehicles from all the manufacturers that have the retention protrusions (we use another name that would get screened out).

[4drdually]

I could swear they are steel, but you're the expert. My 01 were definately steel though as the truck had been sitting for a while when I bought it, and they were rusty. No caps on them. The piece that chipped off is definately metal and I could pop the rest of it right off, which I won't do. Can I replace the damaged piece? or should I just let it go?

Also, I understand what you are saying about using a c clamp to clearance, which is what you do on reinstallation, but even Ford shop manuals say to pry it off starting at the top. Pretty common for disc applications. I've never had a pad come off a vehicle that wasn't smooth on the backing plate.

[4drdually]

Ok, so I have a set of 97 f350 calipers sitting in the garage. So I went up and took a look. Sure enough, there's rust on the piston. So I popped the pad off and scratched it a little and it all fell off. The whole piece that I am refering to. It rusted away. And now you can scrape the piston, and it's not metal. Heck, you learn something new everyday. I've had a lot of trucks over the years and never noticed this.

So the question is, what do I do about my gash? It's a cut about 3/16s wide on both pistons.

Thanks.

[BLOWINSMOKE99STROKE]

Go order some new calipers with metal pistons instead of phelonic. its an option listed in the fancy computer doo hicker at autozone and advance auto.