A question on rear brakes pistons...

[ricksmol]

I am just about ready to replace the pads and resurface the rotors on the rear brakes in my '89 . I have read somewhere that you need a special tool to turn the pistons in the caliper ass'y inwards. My question is this.. Can't the pistons just be pushed in with C clamp etc ? Is this rotation inwards and the tool necessary. Will appreciate any replies. Thanks

Rick

 

[Ishodu]

The rears must be turned in! Not pushed in like the fronts, they are like this because of the parking brake.

 

[JTSHO]

You can go buy a special tool , but I use channel locks on mine just be careful not to scar up anything when turning them back in.

 

[Fourcats]

Get the tool, it will save your knuckles. Make sure the slider pins work like they should. New rotors are about $23 each.

 

[qiksho]

I have had success putting the caliper in the vice and turning the piston with two very large screwdrivers while pushing in.

There is also a tool I saw you can buy that goes onto a 3/8 extension. You can buy this tool at sears. I bought it, but I haven't tried it yet as I haven't had any brake trouble's since I bought it.

 

[broken SHO]

The rears have thrust washers, a thrust bearing, and a large threaded rod inside the cup end of the piston. Just mashing them in has a tendency to break a few parts.