Rear Brake Calipers

[Guest macford]

Hi im a new member I have a simple question for anyone

How do you retract the piston on the brake caliper on the rear discs so I can replace the pads . I have tried allsorts to press the caliper piston back but it wont budge

I have checked it is not seized and seems ok

 

fogot to mention its a 96 2.0 L galaxy

[Guest j_mchattie]

You can actually buy a brake pad retractor, which is two plates that move apart on a screw thread. You can get them from halfors, and they simply push the pads apart.

 

You must have the cap off the brake fluid reservoir too, and expect to fill up! so have some rag to soak the fluid up/syphon some out before you start.

 

If im renewing pads, i just get a screw driver in there and lever them apart (doesnt matter if they crumble, they are being replaced anyway).

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Macford - the pistons have to be rotated as you push them back; has been covered before with photos of the special tools you can buy to assist in doing the job. James's post doesn't make this too clear.

[chromedome]

When retracting the pistons slacken off the bleed nipple so the excess fluid comes out there.

 

DON'T FORCE THE FLUID BACK THROUGH THE SYSTEM OTHERWISE YOU CAN DAMAGE THE ABS SYSTEM WITH CONTAMINATED FLUID.

[Guest j_mchattie]

Didnt know that, Thanks.

[Guest BIGLOX]

Halfords do a "Brake wind-back Tool" made by Sykes-Pickavant No. 66066500 that did the trick on my Mk2. Can't remember how much it was but it wasn't extortionate (sp?) .. expensive !! ;)

[Guest macford]

Thanks everyone for the awnswers i tried like hell to push them back with a screwdriver .. didnt know they have to be rotated .. I priced the tool for the job and it was

[Guest vr6galaxy]

G clamp and pipe grips works for me :( the clamp applies pressure and the pipe grips are used to rotate the pistons! grip the piston on the outer edge but mind you dont grip the rubber seal and tear it !

[Guest kev140766]

Ineed to change the rear pads also and change the fluid. The resevior is a right B*** to get at!!. I unplugged the MAF and the spring clip flew off, never to be seen again! I cannot get the pistons to retract and i suppose I will have to buy a tool. Does the tool rotate the piston as the manual says you should?

 

Nice set of brake pads sat in my garage now.

[Masked Marauder]

the pistons to retract and i suppose I will have to buy a tool. Does the tool rotate the piston as the manual says you should?

Why do you suppose it is called a "Brake Wind-back Tool?" :huh: :huh: :D

[Goofygolfer]

heres my two penneth worth, i found the spanner supplied with most angle grinders does a pretty good job of winding the pistons in.