Rear Brakes caliper wont go back in

[wlugo]

I have 99 Passat. I'm trying to change the rear brakes, but I can"t get the caliper to go back in. I figured it's supposed to be just like the front brakes. Can anyone please shed some light on my situation?

Thanks'
Wlugo

[boschmann]

There is a special tool that rotates the caliper piston as it pushes it back in. It can be done w/o the tool but can be difficult, just use something to rotate the piston while pressing it in. The notches in the piston will need to line up with tabs on the pad when you're done.

[alienmarshall]

I had this same problem on a 01 GTI, I ended up taking the calipers off and taking them into my local vw guy to have him screw them back down/in. It is very difficult to do without the right tool.

Originally Posted by wlugo

I have 99 Passat. I'm trying to change the rear brakes, but I can"t get the caliper to go back in. I figured it's supposed to be just like the front brakes. Can anyone please shed some light on my situation?

Thanks'
Wlugo

[goombaboy]

My wife has a 2002 Passat and I ran into this same problem when I was replacing the rear brakes today. I used an adjustable 'C' clamp to compress the caliper and turned the clamp manually to rotate the caliper down. It took some time, but it worked.

[00Psst]

The correct tool is the easiest way to do this and is available for rent/borrow at most chain auto parts shops. You can also buy it from them for about $40.

In a pinch, you could use the C-clamp to push the piston back in while turning it using a pair of needlenose pliers. Use the pliers tips in each of the slots on the piston to turn it.

[goombaboy]

Originally Posted by goombaboy

My wife has a 2002 Passat and I ran into this same problem when I was replacing the rear brakes today. I used an adjustable 'C' clamp to compress the caliper and turned the clamp manually to rotate the caliper down. It took some time, but it worked.

After I posted this I started working on the right rear brake - as I was pressing the piston back in I sliced the rubber boot with my needle-nosed pliers. Next time I get the proper tool.

[Tim@CARS]

If you have a handheld grinder around, oddly enough the tool used to remove grinding wheel fits the grooves in the caliper. Compress with C-clamp and screw the piston back in using this 'quite common' tool.