Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes

rallye bob · 05-11-2016, 07:52 AM

Having trouble getting the pistons to "retract" back into the calipers for installing new pads. Any tips?
I do crack the bleeders as I push the piston in, but they don't want to move. I only need about .320 between the pads for the rotor but no go.... TIA

Bobby DiDomenico · 05-11-2016, 08:00 AM

Never worked on them but might the piston turn to retract?

rallye bob · 05-11-2016, 08:13 AM

They don't look to be that type of piston, Bobby.

Dragsinger · 05-11-2016, 08:15 AM

Bob,

the pistons should easily move back in the bore. Opening the bleed screw is not necessary [although it is OK to do so] Simply removing the master cylinder lid/caps will allow the fluid to displace back into the master cylinder.

Suggestions;

a local parts store will have an assortment of tools designed to "push" the pistons, might even be able to borrow or rent the tool.

another common method, use a wide C clamp. With an old brake pad covering the pistons straddle the C clamp over the old pad and caliper housing.

Using a tool or C clamp, if the pistons does not easily retract you have a problem. Could be corrosion build up in the bore.

Nick_Siebert · 05-11-2016, 09:51 AM

I had the exact same problem with Aerospace front brakes on my previous stock eliminator car, even sent them back to Aerospace to have them rebuilt, they claimed there were no problems but when I got them back they were fixed. Just 3 races after getting them back, the pistons again failed to retract. After listening to Aerospace continue to tell me what I was doing wrong, I purchased a set of Strange Brakes and the problem was immediately fixed to never rear its head again.

Aerospace brakes look pretty, but that's about it. Do yourself a favor and call Strange, Mark Williams, Wilwood or Lamb.

Rsmith38 · 05-11-2016, 07:47 PM

When I built my Comanche aerospace was the only one available. they had me send in the spindles and made mounting plates to fit at a very reasonable cost (IIRC $45 more than the standard front package) been using them since 2004 - still work fine!.

05-11-2016, 07:52 AM	#1
rallye bob Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Genoa, Illinois Posts: 488 Likes: 8 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes Having trouble getting the pistons to "retract" back into the calipers for installing new pads. Any tips? I do crack the bleeders as I push the piston in, but they don't want to move. I only need about .320 between the pads for the rotor but no go.... TIA

05-11-2016, 08:00 AM	#2
Bobby DiDomenico Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 910 Likes: 85 Liked 89 Times in 46 Posts	Re: Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes Never worked on them but might the piston turn to retract?

05-11-2016, 08:13 AM	#3
rallye bob Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Genoa, Illinois Posts: 488 Likes: 8 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes They don't look to be that type of piston, Bobby.

05-11-2016, 08:15 AM	#4
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,759 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes Bob, the pistons should easily move back in the bore. Opening the bleed screw is not necessary [although it is OK to do so] Simply removing the master cylinder lid/caps will allow the fluid to displace back into the master cylinder. Suggestions; a local parts store will have an assortment of tools designed to "push" the pistons, might even be able to borrow or rent the tool. another common method, use a wide C clamp. With an old brake pad covering the pistons straddle the C clamp over the old pad and caliper housing. Using a tool or C clamp, if the pistons does not easily retract you have a problem. Could be corrosion build up in the bore. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

05-11-2016, 09:51 AM	#5
Nick_Siebert Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wamego, KS Posts: 34 Likes: 46 Liked 26 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes I had the exact same problem with Aerospace front brakes on my previous stock eliminator car, even sent them back to Aerospace to have them rebuilt, they claimed there were no problems but when I got them back they were fixed. Just 3 races after getting them back, the pistons again failed to retract. After listening to Aerospace continue to tell me what I was doing wrong, I purchased a set of Strange Brakes and the problem was immediately fixed to never rear its head again. Aerospace brakes look pretty, but that's about it. Do yourself a favor and call Strange, Mark Williams, Wilwood or Lamb.

05-11-2016, 07:47 PM	#6
Rsmith38 Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 186 Likes: 0 Liked 28 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Aerospace AC-205 front disc brakes When I built my Comanche aerospace was the only one available. they had me send in the spindles and made mounting plates to fit at a very reasonable cost (IIRC $45 more than the standard front package) been using them since 2004 - still work fine!.