[espos4]

Looks like you tried this maintenance mode with the caliper detached from its mounting bracket. That’s a big “No-No”

I dont think it’ll go back together now that the piston has extended so far that it’s leaking. But try this:

The parking brake motor has a 2 wire terminal. Disconnect it. Use an external 12v source like a battery charger or an extra battery. Put 12v to one terminal and the ground to the other. If polarity is correct, it should retract. If it extends, reverse the polarity.

 

[espos4]

Maybe I'll get lucky and get it to retract in the morning, and I can go borrow a scanner at Autozone. If not...well, it can sit for a week or two till I get paid, because it was going to need tires anyway. Maybe a tree will fall on it so I can upgrade to the Prime. After seeing the gas mileage, I need that in my life.

The piston sits on a threaded shaft. Sounds like the piston has completely unscrewed itself. Youll probably need an extra set of hands for this. Apply inward pressure with a clamp while powering the parking brake motor to retract the piston. It should eventually "catch" and begin to retract.

You'll have to make sure the dust boot seats properly and hope that the piston seal seals properly and hasn't been damaged.

If all else fails, Rock Auto has one for less than $100. Actually, at this point, I would just replace it. Not worth the risk of a leak and loss of braking sometime in the future.

 

[espos4]

The boot that you can see is just a dust boot. The actual seal sits in a groove on the piston. It should be installed in a very clean environment. Once it pops out, theres no telling if it accumulated any dirt on it.

A c note isn't chump change but a tow would cost almost that much and you're probably looking at $4-$600 minimum for a shop to do the work.