I just replaced my front rotors and pads, and for the first time I noticed that the rubber seal around the piston (I think that's what it's called.. it's the part that looks like a pipe that is what actually pushed the pad inward) was ripped. Like it was made of rubber and I guess would extend with the piston over time as it got pushed out and such, but it's ripped now. Is that super bad? Is there anything I should/can do on the cheap? Thanks!

 

that caliper should be replaced. That boot keeps dirt, dust and moisture out of the caliper. It may not cause imeadate problem but will in the near future. Brake fluid will attract moisture. the pistion in the caliper eventualy may start to stick inside the bore of the caliper as dirt builds up and roughens the bore. The bore and the piston actually have fairly close tolerances.

 

Ugh, more money. Thanks for the info!

Update 11/03/2005:

For anyone else who has this problem, here's some info.. the Dodge dealer wanted $128 for labor and $265 for a new caliper. Instead, I'm getting a refurbished caliper from NAPA for $58. Now you have to put down a $55 deposit also, but you get this deposit back when you bring in your old caliper. Once I do the replacement this weekend, maybe I'll write up exactly how to do it for others out there.. it shouldn't be too bad.