I was trying to replace the rear pads on my 240 wagon today. A tire chain store told me I needed new front pads & rotors, and that the rear pads had uneven wear - would require new calipers and pads.

A friend helped me do the front pads, rotors, and wheel bearings 2 weeks ago. I figured I could tackle the rear pads on my own.

The rear pads are wearing at an angle, thin at the bottom on both LH & RH rear brakes.

Both calipers had very sticky inboard pistons. Eventually I was able to compress the drivers side enough to install new pads.

I could not compress the inboard piston on the passenger side no matter how I tried. I have the motive bleeder tool connected to the MC to allow it to overflow - unpressurized. I also opened the bleeder but still could not compress the piston.

My questions are, is it worth removing the caliper and trying to free up the piston?

Am I better off just getting a rebuilt or used caliper?

Is my 2-week-old new brake fluid (in container) still good? My friend pointed out that brake fluid absorbs water.

Tomorrow I plan to put back in all the old pads and drive it no longer than 10 days or so until I fix it. The thinnest pad surface is approximately .08".

If I can free up the stuck piston, what is the safest way to do so? If my memory is correct these calipers are only 18 months old done by a local shop. They may have been rebuilt. Unfortunately I cannot find the receipt. The rubber seal looks fine.

Thanks

Mike