ok so I have an 85 gsl with all disc brakes. the front came apart and put back together very nicely.

so i get to the backs and they seem to be hard as **** to compress. i finally get the driver side compressed but it still doesnt just slide on it to a some muscle to get it back on. Then I move to the passenger side and I can not get it to compress all the way. I can get it back on because of this.

As you can see this is pretty frustrating for a normally simple thing. Should I just chalk it up and buy some new calipers? Would I still have compressing issue?

note: i used c-clamps for compressing.

 

The rear calipers need a special tool to compress the pistons. They need to be screwed in to get them down into the seat. They need to be seated and aligned with the stopper groove on the caliper housing. Do not use a C - clamp. Not meant to be compressed.
Hope the calipers are still ok. There are free downloads of the factory service manual floating around. I know some members have it in their signatures. Hope this helps.

 

oh **** well i didnt know that. thanks for the help man that would probably have helped a lot. i've done disc brakes on several cars and never had that before. oh well if the calipers are shot it probably wouldnt hurt to get new ones, it has 154k on the car.

 

Don't get new ones, get your rebuilt. Practically new and cheaper too. Steering rebuild shops can usually handle this kind of job as well. Had mine rebuilt 2 years ago, and probably the smart move on my part.

 

oh yeah i guess that would be a better option cost wise.

 

ok well i found the manual section and its pretty detailed. the only problem is the photos though some of it i just cant see what the part looks like. probably try to find a chilton or haynes.

 

The Harbor Freight disk brake tool works great on the rears. I already had the tool for my MINI and decided to try it. Voila! And it's only like $20 on sale.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...submit=find+it

 

Most any parts store will carry the disc brake 'cube' in the HELP section. They're cheap. I use a good pair of needle nose pliers that won't twist.

 

As a mechanic I actually invested in the Matco rear disc caliper tool set, but the "cube" or needle nose pliers usually work in a pinch. For future reference, most rear calipers with the park brake mechanism built into them require this type of tool.

 

yeah there is an oreilly's up the street and they have one.

 

Either use the tool to twist them in, or just open the bleeder and push it in.