can both rear calipers seize at same time?

[david106]

I have posted a brake issue before but was wondering if anyone could help me on this

I had problems with the rear brakes sticking a while back when we had some cold weather well i decided to have another look today so i jacked the rear up and checked both wheels and they were spinning freely but as soon as i touched the brake pedal they locked on and i could hardly turn either wheel.

So i removed offside rear wheel and removed the caliper it looks a bit rusty so i cleaned it up and then had a go at winding the piston in (i dont have correct tool) with some pliers and as hard as i tried it just wont budge so the question is are the calipers seized and how likely is it both went at the same time .

I have driven around withe the handbrake cable disconnected for a bit because i thought that was the issue but it didnt make much difference

so the main question is can you turn the piston with pliers or do i need to buy correct tool and if you cant turn the piston does this mean caliper is seized

sorry for the waffling

[XPCobra]

I'd try with the right wind back tool first, but yes its very possible that both rear calipers can seize at the same time.

[vmb2722]

be sure to remove the cap on the brake master cylinder resevoir before u wind the pistons as this will decrease resistance but be carefull because u may lose brake fluid. the caliper pistons always benefit by a clean with brake fluid and an abrasive cloth, if they wont budge you can remove the calipers and gripping them in a vice you can gently persuade them with a variable pressure applicator and a brass drift!

[david106]

I have several of those variable pressure thingys

I have to say its hard to get a good grip on the pliers with the caliper loose so i might remove it first thing and get it in the vice

If i need to replace both calipers whats the cheapest route to go down I'm going to sell car shortly so dont want to spend much on it

Are signum rear calipers the same as vectras and is it worth going down the breakers route

[XPCobra]

Get new ones off ebay.

[MiniVauxhall]

I got a new one from vx £66 and my old one.

[david106]

£66 was that recently i priced up on ecp and they were coming to £86 with exchange

[david106]

just now checked ecp and they are doing 25% off so they come to £130 are surcharge

should i replace the pads aswell dont really want to spend much on car as its not worth much

[david106]

right a quick update i had a nightmare trying to get piston to wind in only worked when i clamped the brake line and disconnected the brake line and handbrake
I think the issue is with the handbrake mech rather than the calipers as once i had loosened up the handbrake mech with a persuader it has done the trick
So for the meantime i had disconnected the handbrake alltogether and I'm back to fast signum rather than something holding me back signum

[vmb2722]

persuader/variable pressure applicator mans best friend