Hanging rear caliper Bernie says:

[SuffolkD at aol.com]

Ingo:  Seems logical, but my example is with the pads worn down to the 
backing plate.  Either way, by working beyond design specifications (pad replacement 
thickness) or hanging by your summation: "the piston hangs up on the pad (more
likely the spring clip) and once removed, has become 
cockeyed.......realignment of the piston is needed.
-Scott by BOSTON

> OK.  I have to agree with Bernie here.  There is no sideways force that
> could cause the piston to be cockeyed.  Rather, a more likely scenario (and
> the only plausible explanation) is this:  The piston is extended far enough
> that when the caliper is removed, the piston hangs up on the pad (more
> likely the spring clip) and once removed, has become cockeyed.
> 
> Ingo
> 
> > From: SuffolkD at aol.com
> > snip.
> > Similarly, the piston when extended far out at near full travel will
> droop,
> > or cock out of alignment.