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[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Since discovering one rear caliper is lacking its dust seals, I intend on replacing them. Is it a particularly tricky job, and can it be done without removing the calipers from the car?

 If so, current plan of action is to "cycle" the pistons, by working them out, cleaning them up, applying the red grease, then pushing them in, and repeating until its a nice smooth action. At what point should the seals be replaced? Before or after the cycling?

[Mr Gav]

I would say you need to take the calipers off the car so you can be sure the dust seal fits all the way round the lip on the caliper, there will be very little room to work with the disc being in there.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Dont think you've any chance of getting the new seals on in situ. I'd say best best if you're looking at replacing/servicing the seals and the calipers as a whole is to get the caliper off, and give it a full clean up, service, paint, the lot, then you know it's good for a long time - at least as long as the last time it was in pieces (ie: in Russelsheim some time 12+ years ago)

Sounds a lot of aggro, but I did it on my fronts, and not that bad - if you've got the luxury of car off the road for a few days/another car to drive. Recommend it to anyone. 

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

That's the plan for the future - I was hoping to do a quick job for now, then do all four when Ive got a couple of days... Along with the suspension, and donuts.

Will have to spread it over a couple of evenings instead... Ta chaps!

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Good on you for wanting to do the job proper  To be honest I'd be tempted in your case (as myself is in a similar boat, my dust seals are dry, cracked and not really functional) to, upon dismantling, inspect the piston, and replace if showing signs of corrosion affecting the sliding surface.

Pistons are relatively inexpensive even if bought new, and practically free if got off a low mileage example on here. Just think how many breakers on here have sent calipers to be cubed, they're not in demand, and hence pretty cheap.  Also they're the sort of thing you can pump out at a scrappy (I have) and get charged all of a quid or two for.