[s-cars] Replacing rear brake pads - how do I compress the piston?

[Jerry Scott]

The last time that I replaced my pads, I used a 1 inch wooden dowel, (broom
handle 12 inches long) and a hammer to start the piston retraction.  I gave
the piston a couple hefty whacks with the dowel and hammer, then turned the
piston with needle nose pliers.  Mine were not that badly rusted, so I did
not have to deal with that problem, but the blows did break them loose to
start the retraction.
Jerry

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Fred Munro
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2012 6:32 AM
To: 'Thomas Rodriguez'; 's-car-list'
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Replacing rear brake pads - how do I compress the
piston?

Tom;

It takes a lot of force with simultaneous turning to get the rear caliper
pistons retracted. Make sure the boot is free around the piston before you
start - if rust has stuck the boot to the piston you can twist it and tear
it when you turn the piston.
I've done this with pliers and a large C-clamp (a real PITA) and with a
C-clamp and one of those "universal" 3/8 drive blocks that fit multiple
pistons (still a PITA). I broke down and coughed up $40 for the tool
designed for the job and it makes the job a lot easier. It still takes
considerable force but at least the driver doesn't pop out of the piston.

Good luck!

Fred Munro
'97 S6

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Thomas Rodriguez
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2012 5:22 PM
To: s-car-list
Subject: [s-cars] Replacing rear brake pads - how do I compress the piston?

I decided to replace my rear brake pads today following the procedure in the
Bentley manual.  I got the old pads out and put the new pads in with very
little fuss.  To enabel the caliper to fit over the new pads, which are of
course thicker, I need to push the piston into the caliper a bit. I can't
seem to do this.  The Bentley manual says "Press the piston in by turning
clockwise and pushing forcefully."  I gave the piston a half turn and pushed
on first with my fingers and then with a very sturdy c-clamp, but it simply
won't budge.  Another half turn and futher compression wth the c-clamp got
me nowhere.  I must be doing something wrong.  Am I supposed to turn the
piston clockwise multiple times, effectively screwing it farther into the
caliper?  I would appreciate if someone would reply with a simple but
appropriately detailed explanation of how to push the piston into the
caliper.

Thanks,
Tom Rodriguez
'95 S6
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