I’m trying to resurrect an old set of Hope Minis. The original type where the caliper splits in two parts:
http://www.hopetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2002MINIcaliperexploded.pdf

I have a set of replacement seals and phenolic pistons. But the issue is I can’t get the old pistons out.

They are a bit corroded looking. The seals were all gubbed so no chance of building enough hydraulic pressure to get them out, so I split the calliper and so far I’ve tried pulling at them with pliers, soaking them in diesel, soaking them in WD-40, pressuring with air, heating them over gas, and whacking them with a hammer.

Any other options I should try before giving up on this retro folly.

I drilled mine out

Be careful though
I forget if i split the piston or it cracked or i then pulled it out but it did work and worked afterward
It tends to spit out big chunks/crack/chip so start of with a small drill and get bigger

Cheers Junky – destructive drilling might be the best way.

Success!

I drilled it and then screwed in a blunted self-tapper until it pushed against the calliper body and got the piston moving.

Cheers Junky.

yay! to be honest I wilted when faced with same problem last month Graham, and sent mine off to Hope. Came back within the week, sorted with new pads and the rest included.

But yes have a couple of sets of Hope Minis. My first upgrade on my M2 I think.

Mine result was considerably more agricultural than your end result

Glad its sorted

Out of interest what did Hope charge you kcal?

I did think about sending them off, but they are ancient and pretty well used, so I figure if I can’t fix them up with the spares I have to hand then I’ll just replace them.

hi Graham, it was – £45 / 48 I think for the whole service, parts included in service. One brake.

It was actually in decent condition, other than a sticky piston.
I know that a new Shimano hydro brake would have been about the same (or even less if I got a pair) but I abhor waste (as I know you do) when not much was wrong with it..

Thanks. That’s pretty reasonable given what they charge for the parts and the amount of faffage involved.

And yeah, can’t abide waste. I’d rather fix than buy, even if buying is a much more sensible option.

I was about to suggest using a pair of internal circlip pliers inside the piston to pull it out.
Glad you got it sorted. They’re so much better with the phenolic pistons.

A track pump works well if you don’t have a compressor , most pumps will grip onto a hope hose fitting .

I like the original Mini brake. Mine were so reliable and had brilliant performance. Great brake. Good to see them still running and appreciated!

I’ve got a set on my Hummingbird – I really like them, maybe not for power but for feel/modulation.

I’m still using my Hope minis! Got them on the Ti Global, which I’m about to break so all the bits including the Hopes will be going on Eblag.

One Mini on rear brake of Anne-Marie’s, one on my M2 (front), one soon to go on front of the SS.

Anyone want a Mini rear unit?