How To Compress the Piston of a Dexter 12k HD Caliper After Rebuild

Updated 04/30/2024 | Published 05/14/2014

Question:

Hello, I am trying to rebuild a dexter 12k HD caliper, with one of these rebuild kits. I have it almost back together, but cannot get the dust seal pressed in. I can get it onto the piston fine, but not pressed into the caliper housing. Is there a special tool for this?

asked by: Caleb S

Expert Reply:

To compress the piston your best bet would be to use a c-clamp. To do this you would want to put an old brake pad between the c-clamp and the piston to distribute the force evenly. Make sure the piston is being compressed straight into the caliper.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Brian B.

4/30/2024

You didn’t answer the question. How to press the dust seal in seems to be the Question thx

Jameson C.

4/30/2024

@BrianB Dust boot installs for brake calipers can be a real pain, but you slide the dust cover down to the bottom of the piston with the bottom flange hanging off just enough to start it in the groove cut in the caliper. Once in place you just slide the piston down into the caliper and the dust cover slides right into place. After you have done it once the second one will take about 1 minute to do.