2007 Aspen - Attempting to change front brake pads. One of the two left side caliper pistons would not retract far enough to get caliper over new pads. May or may not be noteworthy but: brake fluid reservoir cap off, trans in park, park brake off, key off & out. Tried pushing break pedal to dislodge issue and retry the C-Clamp push, but still one side (piston) would not go all the way in.

Gave up and put old pads back in and did not touch right side brakes.

1) Should the caliper pistons retract all the way using a strong C Clamp? This typically works for me.

2) Some cars have some computer mode setting before brake job but am thinking 2007 Aspen does not. Pls correct me if wrong.

3) I have never attempted rebuilding calipers. Rebuilt kits are $82 for two w/ tax and shipping. Not sure I want to take the risk.

4) All new Ultra-Power 18B5054 calipers are $208 for two w/ tax and shipping. MOPAR Calipers are over $500 for the two - and don't include pins, etc.

5) Ever heard of Ultra-Power calipers? Would you rely upon them?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...b,caliper,1704

Input greatly appreciated!

 

yes the pistons should go all the way into the bore.

 

Your pistons should go all the way in if they don't, you have a bad piston? You need to replace it. Rebuilding them is not really worth it. You can get brand new ones at auto parts stores for 65 to 75 bucks. A good upgraded version would be power. Stop or any of the higher name ones, but really power stop is good. Enough. And you can usually get bubbles for them, for like, the whole front, or the whole back on amazon, for some pretty good prices.With rotors pads and calipers

 

Bubbles meant deals... im typing with voice text on my phone and sometimes it really makes me sound intelligent lol.

 

Thanks for all the feedback including from Meckaone. I did go with the Power Stop calipers. I have had good luck with the the Power Stop Z36 Truck and Tow line of products.
On these new calipers I wanted some sort of corrosion protection so I ended up with the powder coated calipers and some "bling" (Red).

 

I just had my front right caliper seize....replaced with duralast calipers and rotors. 250 miles in, so far so good.