Rebuilding the rear brake calipers and replacing the brake pads on the Lotus Elan M100

The Lotus Elan M100 uses rear brake calipers derived from the USA General Motors W body range of cars. It's a single piston sliding caliper and the most common problem is sliders seizing. Here we strip and rebuild them. We also show you how to replace the brake pads for which you'll need a caliper piston rewind tool.
The jokes will make more sense if you've been following the series and saw the kerfuffle we had over the video on replacing the hood.

[@Smilesalot1023]

This video series is amazing. The time, effort and expertise you and your family have invested into the hobby has to be commended. The detail is excellent! Elan M100 owners owe you a debt of gratitude. THANK YOU!

[@oliverlotus]

Good video. Wish I had this when I first struggled with these in 2003. These rear calipers are the trickiest part of Elan ownership in my opinion.

[@siejaiz]

I'm in the middle of doing this job now, thanks for making the video. I have the fed elan - some notes:
Back caliper bolts only worked with 18mm for me, the 11/16ths was too small.
Banjo bolts were 11mm.

[@siejaiz]

If you do manage to overstroke the handbrake mechanism and lock the pads together like I did you can back it out by taking off the handbrake lever mechanism and ratcheting the nut back there while c-clamping the pads open till you get them apart enough to pull the pad. I think it's a 14mm.

[@oliverlotus]

Thanks again Toby. Thanks to your vid I've rebuilt one successfully. Have you still got your Elan?

[@EveryoneneedsaGary]

What size socket did you use to push the snap ring on the piston?

[@tuga2112]

One simple solution for the screwdriver scratches issue is to use some electric tape in the tip of the screwdriver.