I have a stock 1991 honda civic hatchback. I accidentally pressed the brakes without the front brake caliper being on the hub and the brake fluid res cap was off. and now the caliper piston is sticking out and wont go back in!!! I tried using a c-clamp and it wont even budge!!!!! I know there's someone on H-Tech that has solved this problem!!!!! Helpppp!!! I also did do some researching on google and h-tech and couldnt find an answer.....please point me in the right direction. I will post some pictures later on if that helps. Thanks in advance.

 

make sure that the brake fluid res, is open.

This guy is onto something.

 

@Radex7 thanks for the video. But unfortunately I tried that trick and still down on luck. The cap was off though.

 

that is shocking..

 

you should just drain the system if its stuck and push it back if there is no way it going back just drain it all, but then again I really don't like fixing brakes like that lol I'll use compressors and wrench

 

The piston is stuck. Buy a new caliper.

 

I've had this happen before, but it was on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I was able to use a big c clamp - the screw in type. With a piece of metal big enough to span the whole cylinder I managed to push it back in successfully. Took about 15 minutes until I was sure it was going in correctly. You have to be careful and make sure it's going back in evenly.

EDIT: Just watched the video. That guy made a tool to push his cylinder back in for when he does a brake job. 2 things. 1. Not really the problem that the OP is referring to. 2. Why the **** would that guy waste his time MAKING a tool to do that when you can pick up an 8" c clamp from Harbor Freight for $7.50?

 

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it. I was thinking that I could loosen the bleeder bolt and then slide the caliper piston back in, then tighten the bolt. After, go ahead and bleed the brake. Im not sure, but if I can get someone to verify me that it is ok to do this. I will go right ahead. Thanks.

 

Open the master cylinder cap, and also the bleeder valve. Lube the caliper piston and make sure there is no rust or burs on the pistons that would rip the piston seal. When using a c-clamp use a piece of flat steel or wood to put even pressure on the piston. that is KEY, even pressure will ensure the piston is not being pushed in at an angle.

 

Most likely the piston is cocked. You'll have to straighten it out before it will go back in. Check to see how the piston face looks in relation to the caliper/bracket. you might have to tap on it lightly to straighten it out. As stated above when compressing the piston, it HAS to be done with even pressure.

 

Definitely will check it out and see if I can get that out the way today. All of this happened because I chose to replace my clutch myself for the 1st time. Lol will get back with news to tell how my adventure went. Thanks though

 

Since it's out that far, might want to just remove it and replace the big seal that's on it.
1/2 a rebuild done.

If not, just open the bleeder screw and press it back in. No need to take the MC reservoir cap off or anything. It might take some wiggling to get it go in right again. I would really consider a new o-ring seal, but that's just me.