Can't compress rear break piston
#1
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Can't compress rear break piston
I tried to cahnge my rear break pads this weekend. I was able to the rear passenger side caliper off, change the pads and compress the piston using a 4" C-clamp. However, on the rear driver side I nearly broke the C-clamp and was unable to compress the piston at all. Luckily I was able to get he old pads back on which should be good for a little longer, but I am worried that the rear driver side break piston in frozen.
I know this can be a common issue with older cars but my 8 only has 48k miles on it so I wouldn't expect it.
Any advise? Different strategy to take on compressing the piston?
I know this can be a common issue with older cars but my 8 only has 48k miles on it so I wouldn't expect it.
Any advise? Different strategy to take on compressing the piston?
#2
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I havent done my rear pads yet, so Im just guestamating, Im pretty sure with the rear calipers, you have to rotate the piston in a clockwise direction as you compress it. Please chime in if Im mistaken.
#3
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
You should learn your car before you dive into something like this. You could have/may have damaged the rear calipers. They screw in.
![](http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/wmr-w80621_w.jpg)
Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 11-02-2010 at 02:56 PM.
#7
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I did my own brakes and the rear ones need a brake screw tool you can rent at autozone or any other auto shop for free. Or if you can find anything laying around strong enough to turn the piston back. Good Luck!
#9
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The C clamp does not have enough psi to break the piston.....the only thing that is going to break it the clamp he used to compress the piston! It will screw back with the proper tool.
#12
Wheels, not rims!!
iTrader: (8)
The giant C-clamp bent because my friend insisted that two men with a c-clamp can compress the piston that requires turning (which did work for the passenger caliper). I had to buy a replacement caliper because I couldnt get the internals itself. Learn from my mistake:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/driver-side-rear-caliper-ruined-threads-pistons-sleave-what-do-202304/
I hope the OP has better luck after c-clamping his rear calipers. Next time use the tool or needle nose pliers and try not to stab yourself in the hand.
#14
Research, research, research. I hope you didn't damage your rear calipers. Prior to me replacing my rear rotors and pads I spent a couple hours researching how to do it and what tools would be required. This should be your first step before doing any maintenance or modification to your car. You live and learn my friend.
#15
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Wow, I don't think I am strong enough to BREAK the BRAKE piston wit the c-clamp. I did the front ones using the same technique, my mistake for assuming the back was no different. I'm going to rent the toolkit from autozone and give it another try this weekend. Thanks for the help guys.
P.S. Sorry for my horrible spelling.
P.S. Sorry for my horrible spelling.
#18
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
![TX](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/tx.jpg)
Not sure if this is exactly like our rear calipers but.
![Name: rear_caliper.jpg
Views: 1445
Size: 51.3 KB](https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/251553d1501278292-cant-compress-rear-break-piston-rear_caliper.jpg)
Last edited by 9krpmrx8; 11-05-2010 at 01:17 PM.
#23
I drive at Red Line.
iTrader: (1)
No bs flags needed to be raised, look at the photos from where I painted the calipers. After I painted them I installed hawks pads that I ordered from BHR. I used channel locks to compress the rear piston. The only specialty tool I have for brakes is an impact screw driver for taking the rotors off.
#24
FI by Pettit-BHR-Cobb AP
iTrader: (3)
No bs flags needed to be raised, look at the photos from where I painted the calipers. After I painted them I installed hawks pads that I ordered from BHR. I used channel locks to compress the rear piston. The only specialty tool I have for brakes is an impact screw driver for taking the rotors off.
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