Stuck rear calipers '89 200t FWD

[Tom Christiansen]

Hi,

>The parking brake was applied
>all this time (big mistake, I know). So I've taken both rear wheels off and
>found out that even lowering the lever the pads are badly stuck to the
>rotors and the caliper as if all were one piece and they're all rusty. I've
>tried to take the pads out following Bentley, but it is the 1st time I do
>brakes and the bolts didn't move at all. My questions are 1.- Is there an
>easy trick to get the rear wheels moving?  2.- How much it is reasonable to
>pay at a shop for new rear calipers/rotors/pads? 3.-Should I try doing it
>myself, or it is a real difficult task for a beginner?

I think the first repair I ever did on a car was a brake job. It's actually
rather easy - on disc brakes that is. The first step after taking the wheel
off is to get the two bolts holding the caliper out. They can be a bit
stuck but with careful persuasion they will loosen up and come out. Once
the bolts are out, you need to push the caliper piston in a little ways. I
usually use a screwdriver between the caliper and the outer side of the
rotor - or the outside of the outboard brake pad. Be careful not to scar
the rotor. With the piston in a little bit, you should be able to loosen up
the pads.

If I remember correctly, the rotors are just held in place by the wheel
bolts. You should be able to take it off once you have the wheel, caliper,
and brake pads off.

Even if the two bolts won't come out, I still think you should be able to
push the piston in and loosen the bads from the rotor with an appropriate tool.

Working on the rear brakes is a little dangerous as you can't have the
parking brake applied. Make sure to block the front wheels and to put the
car in gear. And work on a level surface.

Tom