Is this a common thing or is it just plain old bad luck? Is it possible to just take the caliper off press it back in and push it out a few times or do I need to just but even the bullet and get a new one?

 

Just old age and/or calipers sitting about unused.
Sometimes pushing in and out a few times (reservoir cap off if on car) could help free it up but if its rusted on the piston internally it'll likely catch/stick soon enough again.
Not difficult to refurb yourself if you want to do a proper job regardless

 

Would mk1 focus front calipers bolt on as I've got a dead focus there I could take the brakes off and just get new disks and pads you see as it's 45 to replace the caliper on the orion

 

I don't get payed till the end of the month and it's my daily run around

 

st170 are an upgrade (have to drill the hub to fit), unsure if generic mk1's would fit without modification.
Is Ł45 really that bad when its your brakes we're talking about... on a daily!

If your that stumped for cash, id try forcing out/back in a good few times to get it free'd up, even if only for a few weeks....

 

Don't overlook the brake flexis especially if thier original. They can collaspe internally acting like a one way valve !

Adder

 

That's all I want is a quick fix for a few weeks and I will put a pair of new calipers on the front and check the rear brakes while I'm at it

 

The plan is to upgrade to steel braided ones anyway

 

Check the sliders are not corroded up too.