Help! Can't put the brake back

[reed7]

When I tried to put the brake back, the brake pads seem like in a braking position and the gap is significantly smaller than the rotor. Any idea what went wrong here ?:(

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[Burger2002]

You need to compress the brake caliper pistons. Sometimes I can kungfu grip them, but most of the time you'll need a c-clamp or something like that.

 

[15GTCA]

The pistons have come out just a bit. You have to push them back into the caliper. (What he said) Funny we posted at the same time.

 

[Burger2002]

FYI, compress them without the pads in the caliper.

 

[Sal33n]

It's common for the pistons to creep out while you are doing a brake job. There are specific tools you can buy to push the pistons back in, however most are cheap and brake pretty easily. I use a c-clamp and one of the old pads as leverage on the pistons to push them back in.

 

[reed7]

Thanks for the response guys !

How can I remove the pad from the caliper ? And is this pistons pop out thing normal? Anything I should pay attention to while removing the caliper from the rotor to avoid this trouble ? Sorry for these dumb questions, totally noob here. Maybe such a noob as me shouldn't mess around with the suspension at the first place ! :doh::doh::doh:

 

[reed7]

It's common for the pistons to creep out while you are doing a brake job. There are specific tools you can buy to push the pistons back in, however most are cheap and brake pretty easily. I use a c-clamp and one of the old pads as leverage on the pistons to push them back in.

A c clamp like this ? http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4027-H...e=UTF8&qid=1458515491&sr=8-3&keywords=c+clamp

 

[Sal33n]

A c clamp like this ? http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4027-H...e=UTF8&qid=1458515491&sr=8-3&keywords=c+clamp

Exactly like that.

 

[reed7]

Exactly like that.

Just notice there're choices of size. Which one should I go with? Thanks !

 

[Horde5.0]

they make actual tools for this. Not sure which one will work for a mustang but i have used similar tools on other cars.


http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-24400-Disc-Brake-Spreader/dp/B0002SQU9K/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1458515586&sr=8-9&keywords=caliper+brake+tool

 

[Sal33n]

I have used those tools in the past. The problem I have with them is either the cups break off of the screw after a few brake jobs or the plastic handle strips from the screw after not much use.

 

[Sal33n]

Just notice there're choices of size. Which one should I go with? Thanks !

Depends on how much space you need to get the clamp between the caliper piston and a flat spot behind the caliper. I bought a 6 inch and 8 inch just to have both for different size calipers.

 

[hiccup]

Put a small square of trim wood or deck wood across the piston. The c-clamp anvil on the wood surface then the clamp screw on the outer caliper surface. Then turn the clamp screw to compress the piston inward. That simple. Ive never damaged one that way. Also on older vehicles if the piston is difficult to push back it means the flex brake hose if deteriorating inside.

 

[Road Dog]

And the next time...

don't let anyone touch the brake pedal when the calipers are off the rotors. "I've never seen pistons just decide to move on their own."

 

[MustangCollector]

this is annoying with non PP calipers for some reason i faced this two weeks back when doing coilovers for a friend . PP cars slide calipers on and off super easy i never had a hitch

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