Rep Power: 0

As you see in the pictures, I found this small tear in a caliper piston boot while replacing pads and rotors on my 2000 DX. I'm trying to figure out how urgent it is that I replace this boot, and/or if I can do so without removing the piston and inner seals and having to bleed brake lines, etc. Not eager to do all of that if I can avoid it, but I really don't know how severe this is and how much damage it is likely to do. Thoughts?

 
Rep Power: 224

The hole will allow dirt/water to get inside which will cause corrosion, eventually the caliper will seize. Impossible to know how long that will take to happen. I don't think you can get the boot off without first removing the caliper piston, but I've honestly never tried.

If you ignore it you will eventually start to notice issues with braking. You could see worse braking performance, car pulling to the other side when braking, or the caliper could start sticking and dragging the brake while driving. Up to you to decide when/how you want to repair.

 
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Appreciate your feedback. Figure I better get to it sooner than later.

Any insights or tips on the process of replacing the boot, inspecting the piston, replacing seals, etc? Honestly I haven't done any more invasive brake work than pads and rotors, so would be my first time opening up the brake lines/hydraulic system etc. I don't think I'd be in way over my head, but have some research ahead of me before I go pulling all that apart. Any knowledge you have of what to watch out for would be golden.

Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 222

I would just install 2 new calipers

 
Rep Power: 224

Agree. Could be rust already starting inside. Calipers are fairly cheap, might as well replace them and not worry for years to come.