how the %$^# do you get the caliper piston back in??
 

Ok so I was bleeding my rear brakes the other day and I had the caliper off the wheel. Stupid me pumped the brake to see what the piston would look like when it moved out.. DUH??? Anyway the piston extended pretty far but did not leave the caliper and FOR THE LIFE OF ME I CANNOT get it back in!

I tried whacking, twisting, punching, turning, everything! Lucky I had a spare caliper but WTF? I had the caliper off the car, and bleeders open while trying to get the piston back in. What gives, this is sad that I cant figure this out.

Did you try tightening it down like a nut with a pair of snap-ring pliers while the top to the master cylinder is open/off?

obvious, I know, but I didn't see it mentioned.

You turn the piston clockwise. Use a tool like this:

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/mst55a.jpg

with a ratchet and extension. Pick a side that mates best with the notches in the piston face and turn. Depending on state of caliper (how seized it is), can be sometimes difficult. On better condition calipers, some long nose pliers can and have done the job.

^

Yup, the cube is your friend.

tricky fuckers. I knew there was something more to it than bashing it with a hammer. And I knew the more mechanically inclined here would lead me to it. thank you

i just used a C-clamp and spun that thing in till it fit..

You can go Autozone to loan the Disc Caliper Tool. Its free.

You "Turn" the rear caliper/piston back in, not push.

All hail the cube!!!

You can buy a "universal" kit at harbor frieght for less then 20 bucks. The "cube" is the reason there are holes on the piston.

I kind of figured those notches weren't there for shits and giggles LOL

lol nah. If they are flat then try to press it back in with either the special tool or use channel locks, if it doesn't budge then it may have to spin. Some that spin are flat, but most aren't.

Most autoparts stores sell them for <$10 I got mine for $5 from Autozone

Yeah but the cheap ones slide off. I just bought the kit because I can use it to do other jobs (family, friends, random people, etc.). What ever works. lol