Installing brake pads - piston won't budge

[pmezo33]

Just got this 2010 MKS ecoboost a couple weeks ago and trying to do the pads.  I got the caliper off and trying to push in the piston with a c-clamp and the thing will not budge.  I can't get it even close to wide enough to get these new pads in.  Any advice? 

 

[SHOnUup]

Did you have uneven wear on that set of pads? Might need a new caliper.

Rich

 

[pmezo33]

I'm only on my first pad (rear passenger) and the wear looks pretty even.  I'll try the other side to see if it's any easier.

 

[SHOdded]

There must be pressure on the piston, or the piston is actually sticking to prevent it from moving.  Does the piston boot look ok?  Can you re-install the caliper and give the brakes a few good pumps, then try again?
http://my.cardone.com/techdocs/PT%2018-0002.pdf
http://www.myautorepairadvice.com/brake-caliper-sticking.html

 

[pmezo33]

Checked the driver side rear and that's stuck too.  Won't budge.  I have to be missing something here.  I can't see how both calipers are both locked up the way they are.

 

[cror1]

Don't use the c clamp on the rear calipers. Those style calipers are twist and turn. Go to your local auto zone and rent a caliper tool, it's free, and you will see how easy they go back in.

 

[SHOdded]

Rear brakes?  Could be the parking brake is on?  May need to open the bleeder screw to relieve pressure, and/or open the MC cap.  It may be that you actually need a piston tool for this if it is a "screw-in" type.  Autozone/Advance should be able to "rent" to you for free (net).

 

[pmezo33]

Don't use the c clamp on the rear calipers. Those style calipers are twist and turn. Go to your local auto zone and rent a caliper tool, it's free, and you will see how easy they go back in.

Seriously?!  Well that explains a lot...  Is there a specific caliper tool i need or are they universal?  Never used one before.

What about the front ones?  Can I use a c-clamp with those.  Man... I wasted a whole morning using the wrong tool.

 

[SHOnUup]

Front ones c-clamp, rear ones you can rent tools...or I found a set at Harbour Freight for $44. Don't buy many tools there, but ones you barely use...why not

Rich

 

[cror1]

The tool that you will rent comes with multiple adapters that work on most vehicles out there, which should be adequate enough for use on our cars.

As stated above, for the front you just need a c clamp.

 

[nickstewartroc]

Ran into the same problem, either buy the disc brake tool set at harbor freight or rent it at one of the auto parts places, should be real easy!

 

[pmezo33]

That was definitely the problem.  Using the wrong tool.  Rented one from autozone and it pushed right in.  Thanks guys.

 

[BiGMaC]

That was definitely the problem.  Using the wrong tool.  Rented one from autozone and it pushed right in.  Thanks guys.

YAY!!

 

[SHOdded]

Awesome!  Glad the job could get done :thumb:

 

[pmezo33]

Changed the pads, rotated the tires, and flushed the brake fluid.  And it only took me a grand total of 4 hours.  Of course 2 of those hours were spent on trying to get a caliper piston in with the wrong tool.  Live and learn. 

Just returned the rented set from autozone.  They charged $60 to rent, but got a full refund when i returned it.  Looks like you can get a set on amazon for under $30.  Going to have to order that.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20733A-Brake-Caliper-12-Piece/dp/B000IB40L6

 

[RCT_SHO]

I did the same thing about 20 years ago. I bent the C-clamp and I had to buy a new caliper.

Be sure to grease the sliders if you haven't already done it. I am going to do my rear brakes now and the in-board pad is much more worn and the out-board.