caliper return spring cam cleaning

[Duncan Thomson]

>I just need to confirm one thing, the cam that rotates and is all rusty is
>NOT supposed to completely disconnect from the caliper, right? It's just
>supposed to pull out about 1/2" from the caliper?

will _NOT_ disconnect, unless the piston and threaded rod have been removed...
there is a pin (about 1" long) which will prevent it coming out...

>Fred says "Pop the cam in & out a few times, liberally applying lube. The cam
>should now return to the stop on
>  its own, even without the assistance of the return spring."
>
>Fred, or anyone, do you mean push it in and out or completely separate it
>from the caliper? Thanks!

just as far as it will move, obviously to try to get some lube into the
e-brake chamber...
in my experience, it is better to completely dismantle the caliper so you
can clean buildup of the pin and check for / clean up any corrosion properly...

the circlip is a bit fiddly unless you have long circlip pliers (assume
they exist, but I usually just make do with what I've got...)
and the threaded rod can stick pretty tight... I managed to pry it out with
screwdrivers against the piston...
I see another lister has damaged a piston trying the same, so you may wish
to be careful here, or just stick with the quick fix and not dismantle the
entire caliper if it looks to be in reasonable condition....

just my 2 cents...

cheers
Duncan