Quote:
Originally Posted by Pablisimo
Yes, you definitely need to release the tension at the parking brake equalizer and remove the brake cable. Not doing that was one of my many mistakes that complicated the job.
These pistons do need to be turned in. There are several techniques recommended on the forum for doing this. I ended up using the Auto Zone "Borrow a tool" program which got me the mechanic's grade tool on loan for a refundable deposit. Cranks the piston back in seconds.
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I must be doing it wrong, then.
I unscrew ONE nut on each caliper; pull off ONE washer on each caliper along with the park brake lever.
Then I push the piston back in with a C-clamp vice grip. The park brake screw spins instead of the piston, while the piston slides straight into the bore. Once the piston is back in the bore, I just re-attach the park brake cable, lever, washer, and nut. It could not be simpler, faster, or easier.
I think rear-caliper problems on the W-body is an over-rated concern.
I've got two Luminas; a '92 and a '93. The '92 was purchased in November, '92; the '93 I've only had for about three years. The '92 now has ~115K; the '93 has ~140K. I have had exactly Z-E-R-O problems with rear calipers other than routine pad changes. What I have had problems with are power boosters--I could use BOTH FEET on the brake pedal and push for all I was worth--and the cars would not stop hard enough to activate the anti-lock.
Replacing boosters on both cars with standard, ordinary rebuilt units made a WORLD of difference.