Questions and Answers
Rear Caliper Pistons
Q. I have a 1994 mustang GT. 5.0 engine with ABS brakes. 4 wheel discs. Approximately 65,000 miles
I am attempting to replace the rear brakes (first brake job for this car) but am having difficulty getting the brake piston to compress. I'm using a C-clamp to compress it but it won't seem to budge. Am I doing something wrong or do I just twist harder? I'm afraid to break something.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
DanA. Actually, you are doing something wrong. The rear brake caliper pistons don't simply press in, they screw in. There is a special tool that fits into the piston and turns it in and presses down. The reason it has to be screwed in is because the parking brake mechanism will push the piston out to lock the rear brakes.
Lacking the proper tool, you can use a pair of stubby needle nose pliers to fit into the piston and turn it clockwise while pressing it in. When you are done, there should be about 1/8 of an inch clearance between the piston and the pads.
