So I figure it's a crappy rain day so I'll rebuild some factory calipers for a winter brake upgrade from drums in the front to discs. Got the piston seal popped into caliper no problem, moved onto the accordion style dust boot. No bueno. Installed it on a lubed up piston , then slide piston into caliper bore and could not get it to pop into place no matter what I tried. Even had the wife out in the garage fighting with it too. After countless piston removals, the damn boots are toast. Bent and disfigured from the battle. I flipped them over to see if that was the issue, but no. Couldn't use a seal press cuz piston surface is higher than seal. What gives? Raybestos part # WK524 . I ordered 2 more from Advanced Auto , Wearever brand, hope it is just the Raybestos ones are out of spec. Was ready to toss the calipers and buy new, pissing meoff......Jim
Jim, I've done some of these, but it was a long time ago. Naturally K-M made a tool for that, and I think that's what I used. I know it wasn't hard, blew them out with air, cleaned them and did the 2 seals. I think the pistons should go flush with the caliper. I forget, I've done a ton of different brakes since then. Pistons go in, outer seals go on. Was it you that was looking for pistons before? Maybe the wrong pistons?
These are the pistons that came in the bores when I bought them used off the board a year or so ago. They will go flush , tried that as well . I have to wait on new boots. The interior piston seal/ring was easy , just the boot/seal giving me fits. Thanks for your reply. Jim
Did a search for K&M, found this. Not sure if it the right diameter /for my calipers or not. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Kent-Moore-J-34009-Dust-Boot-Seal-Installer-Tool-USA/272874041788?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=20180306143916&meid=7b374066458e405c8b931c8c6c571ea4&pid=100935&rk=1&rkt=12&sd=183585429498&itm=272874041788&_trksid=p2349624.c100935.m2460 At least I can see how I can make one, if I find the right diameter pipe out back in the scrap pile . Thanx for the lead, Jim
I have one of those tools - if I was closer, I'd gladly lend it to you. I haven't used it in probably 30 years. Could you borrow one from AutoZone - I though they lent tools? UticaGeoff
They are a really common dealer tool. But there are different ones, sizes, front, rear, etc. If you look in the chassis manual, at the end of the brake chapter there is usually a list of the tools needed. It will have the K-M number. I don't have my Buick manual where I am right now.
I see a decent hack on the other site I frequent. An oil filter socket is said to work in a pinch. I guess it depends how many you have if you have the right size.
I found the tool part number in the 71 manual No. J-22904. Google search finds: https://www.autotoolworld.com/Kent-Moore-J-22904-A-Disc-Brake-Boot-Installer-_p_211029.html Too much money .....will have to find another option... Will talk to Autozone , Advanced Auto and see if they have lenders....Jim
Found a used one for $90 on ebay.... Still lookin.......I could weld one up if I could find a piece of exhaust pipe that is the correct size.....
Ok, I picked up this Lisle seal driver set at a local tool discount store. The largest diameter driver was a 3 3/8" cup driver seen on the handle to the left of the package. Bingo! Set cost me $35........Jim
I was in no rush Steve, still collecting parts for front disc upgrade, but I hate getting beat by something as simple as a dust boot seal!