Changing rear pads

Rear piston will not go in all the way back into the caliper with mechanical compression tool - about 1/4" protruding, and I can't seem to fit this over the pads. I have not gotten around to the other side yet to check if it is the same.

Q's:
Time to change out or rebuild, or normal and keep working at getting over the pads?

the chevrons on the piston turn as I compress on it with my tool. They should be fore and aft (correct?) as I am putting the caliper back on, or does it matter?

 

Are you "screwing" the piston back into the caliper? Is it physically still spinning but not going into the caliper any further?

Also, it's WAY easier to screw the caliper back in if you crack the bleed screw and hook up a hose/catch pot to the bleeder. Otherwise you're also forcing all the fluid back up through the system.

There's a little peg on the back of the pads that slips into the triangular spot on the piston, so the piston does have to be clocked so that peg will fit in.

Dale

 

I just did the other side, definite difference- piston on the affected side is very difficult to turn, and has reached its limits on how far it will go back in.

The other side was very easy to turn, and is almost flush with the wall of the caliper.

Soo...will rebuild or replace....