Front caliper pistons
#3
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Get a huge C-clamp (I think mine is 10"), and with the old pads in place, clamp over the outside pad and the back of the caliper. With the brake reservoir cap open, you should be able to squeeze it open. Watch the brake fluid doesn't overflow. Then install the new pads.
Dave
Dave
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Thanks to everyone. I really mean it. When inexperience s#!ts on you it's nice to know that theirs always someone you can turn to. Thanks for all the help and for putting up with my robotic questions that my brother's been typing for me.
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FWIW, Mazda makes a front brake tool that consists of 2 threaded plates with a threaded rod with a 1/2" square end (to fit your ratchet). You insert the tool in the space between the brake pads and turn the rod, forcing the pistons back in the cylinders.
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Re: Front caliper pistons
Originally posted by ChrisChung125
How do you retract the front caliper pistons when trying to install new pads? Thanks in advance.
-Chris Chung
How do you retract the front caliper pistons when trying to install new pads? Thanks in advance.
-Chris Chung
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Originally posted by macdaddy
FWIW, Mazda makes a front brake tool that consists of 2 threaded plates with a threaded rod with a 1/2" square end (to fit your ratchet). You insert the tool in the space between the brake pads and turn the rod, forcing the pistons back in the cylinders.
FWIW, Mazda makes a front brake tool that consists of 2 threaded plates with a threaded rod with a 1/2" square end (to fit your ratchet). You insert the tool in the space between the brake pads and turn the rod, forcing the pistons back in the cylinders.
Frankly, the screwdriver idea works better. You do one side of the caliper at a time. Take out one brake pad and leave the other behind. Then use TWO screwdrivers. One holds the first piston in place and the other is used to retract the other piston without allowing the first piston to extend more. Pry against the rotor. After you get one piston all the way in, hold it in place with a screwdriver and pry the other.
Next step is to replace that pad and pull the other pad. Then repeat the process for the other pair of pistons.
It takes longer to describe than it does to do it. Just be careful not to damage the dust boots with the screwdriver. In other words, watch what you are doing.
While the tool is slick looking, I've found, after doing this many dozens of times, that the screwdriver method is faster and better.
Also, it's a good idea to open up the bleed screw and attach a catch bottle to it before retracting any pistons. This allows the crappy old, heat cycled brake fluid to go into the catch bottle instead of back in to the master cylinder AND it makes it much easier to retract the pistons. Of course, you should follow this up by bleeding the brakes. I suggest following my instructions on bleeding in order to extract the most air: http://www.zeckhausen.com/bleeding_brakes.htm
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Originally posted by Trexthe3rd
Rent a caliper compressor toolkit from autozone, $5.00. Screwing up your brake calipers with a screw driver, priceless.
Rent a caliper compressor toolkit from autozone, $5.00. Screwing up your brake calipers with a screw driver, priceless.
#14
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1. In most cases, especially on older cars, the pistons will not move as easily as you discribe. (I know because I have used the "big screw driver method before and learned the hard way", I was lazy that day, what can I say)
2. Unless you plan on resurfacing or replacing the rotors at the same time, putting anything against them could very well damage them. If you have slotted or x-drilled rotors it's even worse.
3. Because you are not going to be able to apply even pressure to retract the pistons you WILL damage them. In most cases the damage are small and go un-noticed. In worst case you can break the piston, now you are faced with caliper rebuild or replacement.
You can always use some kind of work around, you don't always screw up but one thing is for sure, using the correct tool will always save time, energy and regrets. Why take the chance when it takes so little effort to do it correctly.
2. Unless you plan on resurfacing or replacing the rotors at the same time, putting anything against them could very well damage them. If you have slotted or x-drilled rotors it's even worse.
3. Because you are not going to be able to apply even pressure to retract the pistons you WILL damage them. In most cases the damage are small and go un-noticed. In worst case you can break the piston, now you are faced with caliper rebuild or replacement.
You can always use some kind of work around, you don't always screw up but one thing is for sure, using the correct tool will always save time, energy and regrets. Why take the chance when it takes so little effort to do it correctly.
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Originally posted by Trexthe3rd
1. In most cases, especially on older cars, the pistons will not move as easily as you discribe. (I know because I have used the "big screw driver method before and learned the hard way", I was lazy that day, what can I say)
2. Unless you plan on resurfacing or replacing the rotors at the same time, putting anything against them could very well damage them. If you have slotted or x-drilled rotors it's even worse.
3. Because you are not going to be able to apply even pressure to retract the pistons you WILL damage them. In most cases the damage are small and go un-noticed. In worst case you can break the piston, now you are faced with caliper rebuild or replacement.
You can always use some kind of work around, you don't always screw up but one thing is for sure, using the correct tool will always save time, energy and regrets. Why take the chance when it takes so little effort to do it correctly.
1. In most cases, especially on older cars, the pistons will not move as easily as you discribe. (I know because I have used the "big screw driver method before and learned the hard way", I was lazy that day, what can I say)
2. Unless you plan on resurfacing or replacing the rotors at the same time, putting anything against them could very well damage them. If you have slotted or x-drilled rotors it's even worse.
3. Because you are not going to be able to apply even pressure to retract the pistons you WILL damage them. In most cases the damage are small and go un-noticed. In worst case you can break the piston, now you are faced with caliper rebuild or replacement.
You can always use some kind of work around, you don't always screw up but one thing is for sure, using the correct tool will always save time, energy and regrets. Why take the chance when it takes so little effort to do it correctly.
The key is to use common sense and that comes, usually, from experience. If the stock RX-7 caliper pistons are indeed delicate and the calipers easily damaged, then you should probably spring for the Mazda tool. It is an attractive addition to any tool box.
Last edited by DZeckhausen; 06-12-04 at 08:56 AM.
#16
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Originally posted by Beny
hahaha, my screw driver coment was based on what i do to work on bikes. i spaced out on the fact that a cars brake rotor doesnt come off with the wheel.
hahaha, my screw driver coment was based on what i do to work on bikes. i spaced out on the fact that a cars brake rotor doesnt come off with the wheel.
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Originally posted by RX7SpiritR
What the hell?! How can you confuse bikes with cars? One has a big motor and the other has.....pedals........
What the hell?! How can you confuse bikes with cars? One has a big motor and the other has.....pedals........
The new Formula BMW cars use a stock 1.2 liter motorcycle engine from the BMW K 1200 RS and they were lapping Lime Rock Park on Memorial Day weekend at 52 seconds/lap!
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Thank you PVerdieck. I don't think many people would confuse a bike with a car. And even bike guys would probably burn him for giving that advise too. Screwdriver and pry is never really something I want to hear on a nice car or bike part that is used to slow me down and stop me. Anyways, at first I actually thought he was talking about a pedal bicycle.
#23
Dave you are obviously not an "OLD SCHOOL" guy. My old '72 RX3 repair manual (translated in Japan I guess) had this to say. ..."make sure the screwdriver is of heavy construction so it will take the abuse when you misuse it as a chisel". Do they know Americans or what!
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