Urgent Help Needed - Brake Job Screwup

[ixolas]

True, sockets over the grip ends would be better, also it isn't necessary use the bleeder valve; it will just go back into the reservoir.  Everyone does it differently and I'm just trying to give him some help..

[galahs]

I'm guessing the vice grip on the brake lines is a no-no of stainless steel lines 

[gsJack]

I've had too many caliper pistons start binding in the seals over the years riding year around here in NE Ohio to even think of pushing a dirty piston back in the caliper for new pads.  That crud that builds up on my pistons is almost as hard as diamonds.     Takes a while to clean it all off using those very abrasive green kitchen pads.

I always pull the calipers loose but don't loosen the hydraulic line.  I work the brake to pop the pistons out and clean them up like new.     I hold the caliper bores upward and fill with brake fluid and with bleeder screw open a bit I push the pistons back in.  Push clean pistons in with thumbs easily.  NEVER use a c-clamp, the pistons are hard to push in because they are cocking in bores, push on both sides and keep them straight.  Filling with fluid minimizes bleeding when done to get last of the air out and only takes a few minitues to bleed.