Daniel420

I was replacing my front prake pads and when I was pressing that caliper cup back with a c-clamp and I might have pinched that black rubber boot that surrounds the cup. Is that bad? will my brakes leak or something? Is there a chance something could break in a high-braking situation.

I don't know if the rubber boot was punctured all the way, but it was definately pinched.

Does anyone know if this means I should replace the whole caliper?

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

I think it is a dust boot. It would depend on if it actually cut or not.

Daniel420

I'm not sure if it is cut. It was pinched and it made a little mark in the rubber. There is a good chance it is punctured, but I can't really tell anymore. I pushed the boot back in place... so now I can't really see it anymore. (it all folded up along the side of the cup like it's supposed to be.)

Is there a way to manually extend that cup so I can look at the dust boot again?

blouisgod

iTrader: (14)

Are you talking about a cv boot? If it's ripped, you should replace it asap.

And your sig. took ~5 minutes to load...

dariusld

I don't think he is talking about the cv boot. The rubber boot that surrounds the cylinder that presses against the pad in the caliper. One in my Accord ripped, from drying out, and I thought brake fluid was going to come out and it didn't. It's been about 3 years and still no leak. I don't know if that is a seal, or like the other person said, a dust cover.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

It would not hold fluid. It is not sealed.

I would be careful trying to get it back out or you could have a disaster in the making.

tfnaaf

iTrader: (2)

ASSUMING hes talking about the dust boot , pinching it will have zero direct effect on the caliper leaking fluid. Although over time it may allow dirt and gryme to enter the caliper and cause premature caliper faliure Now even if it were a small hole on the dust boot i wouldnt be terrified of driving the car. Ive seen MANY cars/trucks with next to NO dust boot remaing and have driven MANY miles on the car with it like that and have never had a failure. but then again , murphys law................

Daniel420

ok... it must be a dust boot. I'm not going to try to extend it back out...
Thanks for the advice everyone