I've got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L 4WD

Went to change the brakes, started on the front driver side. I got the caliper off the rotor and the old pads removed. I started to try and compress the caliper piston back in so I could reinstall the caliper/new brake pads on the rotor.

The issue is I cannot for the life of me get the piston to compress. I've loosened the bleeder valve, taken it out. I've used a clamp to try and compress it. I've let it sit for a few with the clamp on.

Nothing worked to get it to compress.

Any ideas on how to get a stuck caliper to compress?

Thanks,
hArLtRoN

 

If it won't retract with the bleeder out, there's a problem with the piston. If the chromed finish is rusted the piston won't fit back into the cylinder. Probably easiest to just replace the caliper.

 

Well damn...okay, thanks for the info. That's the answer I was expecting.

 

Do you have a proper brake caliper tool? That sometimes works better than a c-clamp because it makes sure the piston is aligned in the bore. If the piston is extended too far it sometimes can get stuck in the bore because it's misaligned, though I'm not sure if that's your exact problem. Most auto parts stores will loan you the tool.

 

I ended up having a mechanic friend come look at it and he said the caliper was seized. I replaced it and it's good as new now.

Thanks for the responses guys!