Why can't I compress the rear brake pistons? The new pads for the rear are so thick that I can't put it back on. The front brake piston was a cinch. Channel locks squeezed it. But the rears won't budge. I've tried turning them too both clockwise and counterclockwise AND loosening the bleeder valve while turning it both ways and tried compressing it with channel locks some more. I'm working on the driver's rear right now btw. Somebody please help.

 

turn clockwise and push. i do it with needle nose pliers..

beers

 

What Belongs in this Forum
DIY: How to change your rear brake pads.

 

......don't leave home without it.

 

Right, it's an RX-8, never know where I'll be when I need to do an emergency rear brake job .

 

+1
I do the same thing.
Just remember to push in and turn (not just turn).

 

yah know,

i have one. still in the package. did not take it with me. the needle noses for the win..

and it really does not take that much pressure..


beers

 

I just finished doing my brakes a few hours ago. I have that little box tool as well. On one side the rear compressed easily, the other side it took alot of effort. If they are hard to compress you feel like you dont have enough hands. You cant hold it steady while applying pressure and turning.

I'm not sure if you are doing rotors as well(they arent that hard to pop off), but heres something I do that makes compressing that rear style caliper easy: Reinstall the caliper bracket and caliper without the rotor on, just finger the bolts in. Then put a C-clamp on it to hold the two together(otherwise it will slide out of the bracket). Now the caliper wont move around and you have two hands to press and turn