how to compress front caliper piston

[tomatoe]

i tried changing my front brake pads, but the caliper pistons is a PITA to compress.

what's an easy way to compress it?

how would you do it?

how does the dealership, or brake shops like midas do it?

is there anything i need to be careful of? what's safe and not safe to do?

a lot of questions, but i need to make sure i'm doing it correctly, and i need to get it done asap before it starts pouring rain. be as thorough as you like.

[" Low "]

i use a BIG pair of channel locks... and a small piece of wood.

[vtecduck]

i use a BIG pair of channel locks... and a small piece of wood.

that works, or I bought a big c-clamp from autozone that does the job quite nicely

[wam-crx]

c-clamp works on all makes and modles

[modsHXcivi]

All the above ....Channel lock/c-clap

[Dweezil]

c-clamp works on all makes and modles

Try useing one on a opposed piston, fixed caliper setup, then you need an actual compressor.

[JHTUNING]

Use a big C clamp to compress the piston or autozone sells a caliper piston tool for like $10 i bought one they work a little quicker then a C clamp, also after you do the brake job make sure to pump the brakes a few times before you testdrive you will feel the pedal tighten up. Top off your resivoir and your done. If you have an SI civic i know i did a brake job on my buddys the backs calpiers are twist type , you can compress the piston back in it has an X on it and i used a screwdriver to twist the piston back ! just a tip

[civic510z]

i just use a c-camp and a block of wood.

[Hellhatch]

I use one of those pistol grip wood clamp. Just put it on and squeesze.

[Chiovnidca]

Large chanel locks work great.

[tomatoe]

yea i was thinking about using a c-clamp and a block of wood, haha.

as long as it works and it doesn't mess up the piston.

thanks to all that replied, all were good suggestions.

[transzex]

I don't use anything.........

just pull the caliper towards you before flipping it up away from the rotor.....

that way you don't force the piston to far back into the caliper....

If you do get the piston stuck....don't go jump on the brake pedal to try to move it out.....unless a camera is rolling!!!!!

[red97tj]

well when i remember, i unscrew the brake fluid reservoir lid to provide less resistance when you push the caliper piston back. i also use a c-clamp...

[ghost civic]

i had to compress the two piston front brakes on my 91 volvo, and a large
c-clamp and piece of wood did the job
i had made the mistake of depressing the brake pedel after i had the brake caliper off, the pistons fully extended. doh

[3rdgenhatchdx]

how does the dealership, or brake shops like midas do it?

I work at midas :D i use a tool off the mac truck, it's like a c- clamp only spring activated you pull it like a caulk gun and it spreads just like your pads, but pushes the piston in, super easy! was like $25-30? and it works on cars w/multi pistons too!

[sql_civic]

If you're finding that your piston is really hard to compress, it could be that your brake hose or line is clogged.

[amej8]

I used a C-Clamp and a metal file (like a nail filer but it's metal and huge). Put the file across the piston and then c-clamp it down. Goes down with ease.

Just remember to pump your brakes before you move anywhere cuz depressing the piston likes that fucks with your brakes. Just pump the brake and you'll feel it drop to the floor but keep pumping and it'll go back to normal with a few pumps.

[Bahamutzero1059]

i put the junk pad over the piston...and use a C-clamp in the center of the pad...that way it goes in smooth and easy

[crazyxzer0]

Dad made a tool that has a metal strip about 1inch thick and has the shape of the pad. In the center is a long threaded bolt with a handle on the end. The other end is a flat round piece. Place the old pad on the piston, press the round piece of the tool on the pad and the metal strip inbetween the caliper. Now twist the handle to expand the rod and it will compress it evenly and easily! :)