Changing brake pads - need help NSFW
 

I've got the new pads in, but I can't get the piston pushed back to fit the caliper over the new pads. What's the trick? I don't have a c-clamp. I tried putting a piece of wood over it and rapping it with a hammer - the thing won't move.

Please don't tell me I have to drain brake fluid.
Edit: I say that about the fluid because I assume it's a big mess/hassle. If that's not the case, please enlighten me.
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Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

Get a C clamp, do it right. You dont want to screw with your breaks.
Maybe somebody can loan you one? All you have to do is screw it back in. It takes like 30 seconds with a C clamp

You may be able to manage with vice and a block of wood, If you have one.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

All this is assuming as well that you didn't let them get so bad where the drums/rotors need to be taken off and turned, in which case you need to do that before putting the pads on.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

Tis been a while since I did brakes, but...

- Ideally you should turn the drums/rotors every time you put new pads/shoes on. It's cheap, I'd do it.

- Somewhere there is a little screw to depressurize the brake system. Unscrew that, then the piston should move. Afterwards you need to bleed the system.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

[ QUOTE ]
- Ideally you should turn the drums/rotors every time you put new pads/shoes on. It's cheap, I'd do it.



[/ QUOTE ]

That's a waste. Don't turn your rotors unless it's necessary. There's only a limited amount of times you can do it.

Of course, if you have a modern car you will probably need to replace the rotors before you change your brake linings twice, due to the fact that modern rotors suck.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

Let's stay on topic, people. Let's pretend I have brand new rotors.

I'll look for the depressurizing screw.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

[ QUOTE ]
Let's stay on topic, people. Let's pretend I have brand new rotors.

I'll look for the depressurizing screw.

[/ QUOTE ]

dont do all that, cuz then you have to bleed the brakes....just take your lazy ass and go get a C-clamp they are cheap

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

Try taking the cap off the brake fluid reserviour. It might make it a little easier to push the piston.

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

[ QUOTE ]
Let's stay on topic, people. Let's pretend I have brand new rotors.

I'll look for the depressurizing screw.

[/ QUOTE ]

NO no no no NO! You dont want to take that screw off because the copper crush washers usually do not seat back correctly, AND you have to bleed the system. If you unscrew that you might need to go get more crush washers, and you need to clamp the line to do that.

Go inside the car and pump the breaks untill the effort becomes very soft. This should relieve the pressure in the drum and you should be able to move the piston back. Dont forget to uncap the fluid resivor under the hood. Also, go borrow a c-clamp, it makes it so much easier.

HC

Re: Changing brake pads - need help
 

Ok I read about having to bleed the system so the depressuring screw is a no-go.

I did take off the cap under the hood. I will try pumping the breaks, and I will borrow a c-clamp. I'm just skeptical because I gave it a few pretty good whacks with the hammer and it didn't budge.