Rear brake job

[SolidState]

I have a really annoying whine from the rear passanger side brake and was attempting to replace the pads with some bendix brake pads.

I did the front just fine, but after examining the rear caliper, it doesn't look like you press the piston in like you do on the front.

Do I need a special tool, or is there something I am missing here?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Yes, there is a special little cube-shaped tool that you put on the end of a 3/8" ratchet extension to turn the piston back into the bore. Don't try to force it in with a c-clamp or piston spreader like you'd use on the front.

They run about $10 at most auto parts stores, or if you have an AutoZone nearby, you can borrow one from their 'loan-a-tool' program by leaving a ~$10 deposit and then get it back when you return the tool.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

brake piston caliper tool....

 

[SolidState]

thanks, I kinda feel like a tool now...

how far in do I turn it? just enough to clear the pads? or all the way?

I'll have a look this weekend. Good think I didn't try to press it back in.

 

[SHOme]

I actually just finished doing my rear brakes today. First, if you find the correct brake piston caliper tool for a Ford, let me know where you found it. NAPA does not carry it, Canadian tire does not carry it, and Autozone does not exist up here . I could not find one anywhere. They both carry the cube tool though.

The little cube does work, but it depends who's you get. Some do not fit very well. I ended up using channel lock pliers, a C-Clamp to apply a little bit of pressure and I backed them up all the way.

If you do it this way be careful of two things. First the caliper dust rubber is very easy to rip with the pliers (I know it happened to me). Secondly, most people on this forum will tell you not to use a C-clamp (you will ruin your caliper if you use too much force), I used very light pressure (i.e turn pliers a couple of turns, then tighten clamp to take up slack, no hard turns on the clamp).

Good Luck,

James

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Sears carries the Lisle version of the tool which works perfectly.

 

[projectSHO89]

NAPA carries it here. K-D # 3355.

The cube sux, it will really pi$$ you off and isn't worth a dime, IMHO.

Steve

<small>[ October 23, 2002, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

You risk damaging the piston's parking brake guts if you use a C-clamp to help push the piston in. Only use a turning force to retract the piston back into the caliper.

 

[rangerj]

K-D tools makes one that fits on a 3/8 drive also. I bought mine at NAPA for $14. The Lisle tool will work OK, and is available at Sears.

The NAPA store in Canada should be able to get one or the other for those of you up there.

For those of you have never done this before, you have to press in and turn the caliper piston with the tool, at the same time, in a CLOCKWISE motion.

You may need someone to hold the caliper while you do this, if you are doing it with the caliper attached to the car. You turn the piston in until it is flush with the caliper, i.e. fully retracted.

I have heard that some go in easier than others, but every one I have done took quite a bit of effort. Once this is done the rest of the brake job is easy. Hope this helps, rangerj

 

[SHOZ123]

Make sure you open the bleeder valve too. This will allow the piston to go in easier and also will not force the old fluid back into the ABS controller and MC.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

SolidState:
thanks, I kinda feel like a tool now...

how far in do I turn it? just enough to clear the pads? or all the way?

I'll have a look this weekend. Good think I didn't try to press it back in.

turn until u clear enough so the pads can fit when u put it on the rotor, the rotor should clear between the pads. also, there should be "slots" on the pads. u'll know when the pads fits in the "slots", u'll have a hard time putting the caliper back on if the "slots" dont match the pads.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

i thought the cube IS the brake piston caliper tool? that's what the name say when i bought it. hhmmmm....

 

[SHOZ123]

NAPA has a round tool called Ford & GM rear caliper. It still isn't the best but it is better than the cube.

<small>[ October 18, 2002, 08:31 PM: Message edited by: SHOZ123 ]</small>

 

[LaTechSHO]

tried the cube.....didn't work for crap....

tried the lisle tool... worked

tried the KD tool... perfect.... in my opinion..if you can get your hands on the KD...its worth it

Louis

 

[SolidState]

thanks guys...I'll go looking for the tool tomorrow.

Cheers

 

[jelloslug]

I struggeled for an hour trying to do it without the correct tool, I bought a cube one, crap...took it back, got the real tool, it took about 5 mins to compress the caliper from taking to tool out of the case to putting the calper back on. Having the right tool for the job makes life much better

 

[SLOSHO89]

Does any one know the part number for the K-D tool?

Thanks,
Efren

 

[projectSHO89]

K-D # 3355

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdbrak07.html#3355 for example.

Steve

<small>[ October 23, 2002, 11:04 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[smcallis]

projectSHO89:
NAPA carries it here. K-D # 3355.

The cube sux, it will really pi$$ you off and isn't worth a dime, IMHO.

Steve

Ditto on the Napa cube. Ended up throwing the POS across my garage. Used channel locks on the outside of the piston.