How To Clean Hydraulic Brake Pistons - Tech Tuesday #104

Prevent "sticky pistons" by cleaning and lubing the pistons every time you change pads. We talk a bit about how the brake functions and walk through the cleaning procedure to help your brakes in the long run.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

➤ Tools & materials used:
• DOT fluid or Mineral oil ( use the same hydraulic fluid in your brake)
• Cotton swabs
• Isopropyl alcohol

➤ Fix It:
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➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

[corkhead]

I always wondered how hydraulic brakes self adjusted. It's beautifully simple. Great explanation!

[KarlenBell]

This was super informative! I always thought the pistons moved back because of the vacuum in the chamber when it is pushed out, but it was the seals that were doing the jobs all along~

[punkybeerconsumer]

Another Tip: Keep an old set of pads around as a maintenance pad set. Allows you to push the pistons back in without damaging the piston faces if using a flathead screwdriver/chisel/etc.

[ed]

Excellent Park Tool®. We need more of these. Kudos to the graphic artist

[karlbe]

Best explanation of a very common and eventual problem for most anyone. Great visuals!

[oscarbloomer]

A 3mm Allen key in the calliper slot where the rotor is positioned will stop the pistons from popping out. (4mm Allen for Sram).
This way all the pistons can be cleaned.
If disassembling the calliper then this method is great for getting the pistons completely out to check the seals

[mikecox]

Very well done guys. One item of note, if you have a Shimano brake with ceramic pistons do not use any metal tool to cycle the pistons. Also you have to be very careful to push on the center of a ceramic piston as to not get it sideways. With ceramic I will usually leave the old pads in to protect the piston while I cycle them.

[cxbkpmf]

The illustrations and animated graphics are incredibly well done. Give that man a raise! 😀👍

[oot-n-aboot]

This is fantastic! I've been changing my pads and aligning my rotors for years, but never thought to clean and lube the seals. Pesky seals! Thank you,

[PhoenixT]

2:43 *alcohol for our alcoholic friends*

[markyuk]

Best bicycle maintenance tutorials i've seen, thanks guys :)

[jgbarre]

Had a sticky seal on my wife’s recumbent trike. Was able to unstick it with the help of your video. Thanks guys!

[elbobbitosmartito]

Another tip. Anti-bleed the breaks if the piston doesn’t quite go all the way in. Unscrew the bleed port on your break handle slightly and push the piston in a little bit. Let a couple drops of fluid out. A little goes a long way so don’t push too hard on the piston.

[th_js]

Great tutorials guys! But mostly I just watch these for entertainment!

[markjones]

That was a great presentation. Very detailed with cut away parts. I had squealing brakes but after 3 repeated pad/rotor cleaning and scuffing it still squealed. After your video I checked the pistons and found they moved very little and did not retract. Followed your procedures and now they move properly. Voila! The squealing is gone. Big thanks guys.

[jkamer]

Killer video, a huge step I've been neglecting. Sorry wifey...gonna be in the garage tonight!

[wallace]

I love this guy talk. Looong and simple at times.

[PeterKern]

Great instructions, explanations (including graphics). Helped us getting hydraulic break pistons cleaned and brake pads replaced! Thank you!!

[SarcoZQ]

Well done guys. Thanks to this video I was repair a lazy piston yesterday. Felt great knowing what to do and your enthusiasm works really well.

Thanks again.

[kamilnaumowicz]

You guys sure "sealed" the deal with this video.