So should the rubber piece around the piston stay attached to the caliper or the piston? I was changing pads and got one side done, but couldn't compress the piston on the other side and realized the rubber "ring" was pulled away from the piston and was connected at all to the caliper. Do I need to replace the whole caliper. Note: I'm no mechanic, just trying my best.

 

The boot is attached to both.One end on the piston and the other to the caliper.
They fall apart with age.Evantually they will get dirt in there and hang the caliper up.
If it moves freely then you will be fine for now.

 

The problem is I can't get the piston to compress so I can change the pads. Any ideas on loosing it? I am also trying to decide if I should attempt a rebuild or buy a rebuilt. Thanks.