I want to clean the pistons while I'm at it by taking the callipers off, pads out and pumping the pistons out as much as possible so I can clean them, then I'd push the pistons back in with pliers, install new pads and bleed the system.
Will this work, do I have to put something between the pistons, are simple pliers enough to push the pistons back in?

You can use your hands to put the pistons back in. Dont need pliers. When pumping out the pistons, maybe put a screwdriver between the pistons so that one of them dont come out all the way and pop out. Not all the pistons may move proportionally.

phicise wrote:You can use your hands to put the pistons back in. Dont need pliers. When pumping out the pistons, maybe put a screwdriver between the pistons so that one of them dont come out all the way and pop out. Not all the pistons may move proportionally.

Thanks, that's right since I have later type callipers the pistons are not identical.

all nc30 calipers have larger and smaller pistons.

That doesnt mean that the small ones will come out first, the piston with the least resistance will move, so depending on which one is the least gummed up / sticky, that will move first.

Some wood / somethign to hold the pistons in place will allow you to pump them out.

For the sake of all the hassle though id get the pistons out and clean up the seals / replacing whatevers knackered.. more cost but is worth doing the job right and will last another 20 years if done properly.

Neosophist wrote:all nc30 calipers have larger and smaller pistons.

That doesnt mean that the small ones will come out first, the piston with the least resistance will move, so depending on which one is the least gummed up / sticky, that will move first.

Some wood / somethign to hold the pistons in place will allow you to pump them out.

For the sake of all the hassle though id get the pistons out and clean up the seals / replacing whatevers knackered.. more cost but is worth doing the job right and will last another 20 years if done properly.

It's not that much hassle really. I'll do a rebuild when I'll get me braided hoses. So I'm safe with a 5mm gap?