How to Reset the Caliper Piston by Pumping

Depressing the brakes to reset the caliper piston back against the brakes is incredibly important after changing your brake pads or inspecting your braking system. This gets the brakes tight again for safe driving and better handling. Read on to learn how to reset the caliper piston by pumping.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take the car off the jack stands and check that all the wheels are tightly secured by checking the tightness of the lug nuts. This is extremely important as an improperly installed wheel could result in the wheel coming off or blowing while driving.

2. Depress the brake pedal several times. This gets the caliper piston back against the rotor and tightens up everything in the braking system. You will notice the first couple of pumps will be spongy; keep pumping until they feel tight.

3. Drive the vehicle around your neighborhood or property to ensure everything is working correctly with the braking system. This test run is important, as it is better to find a problem close to home than in the middle of traffic.

4. Make any necessary adjustments if there is something not working correctly. Make a note of the brake pad change in a vehicle maintenance log. You should keep a vehicle maintenance log for each of your vehicles and note part changes with the date, mileage, what service was done and by whom.

Tips & Warnings

• Hose down your driveway or work area and sweep out thoroughly after working on the braking system. This will get rid of the brake dust, which is hazardous to inhale.