While changing the pads on my 87 pickup (2wd), I noticed some brake fluid leaking from the seal covering the piston after I used the caliper to push the piston back in. It didn't happen on the passenger side, but it happened when I did the driver side. It happened 4 days ago, and I have been driving it every day watching the brake fluid level, and haven't noticed any change. I did remember to take the cap off of the reservoir and watch the level while I was doing the brakes. So how concerned should I be about this? Could I have really damaged something by pushing the piston back in?

 

Well the brakes are the only thing that stop your truck, I would replace the caliper.

 

Agree. Unless you plan on Flinstone'n it.

 

IIRC you can buy a rebuild kit for the piston or you can buy a new one to replace the leaking one. If it was me I'd buy a new one and replace it. Failing brakes are not fun....... ask me how I know, I'll tell you this much for free though that brake loss while towing a 35ft low-boy with a back hoe, a 1000lb bore box and 500lbs of pipe is not the best feeling in the world. Talk about pucker factor.

 

Brakes = the most important part of the truck
Rear end somebody and they inspect your truck and they find that leak you could end up in deep legal and insurance doo doo