rear disc caliper 1994 help

[lectraplayer]

I'm changing the brakes on a 94 taurus that was give to me but i run into something unexpected. Long story short, i found out the piston of the caliper screws in and out. Problem is i can get it to screw out but not in. Was able to get it to screw i after taking the boot off (one had a hole) but getting the boot back on is another challenge altogether. So far this is kicking my butt. How do i get the piston to go all the way in without pulling the boot? I shouldn't have to pull it should i?

[shorod]

Correct, you shouldn't need to pull the boot to get it to screw back in. There is a took kit that works well for compressing this style of rear brake caliper with integrated parking brake feature. The little socket cube that fits on a ratchet wrench is pretty close to worthless since you also need to apply pressure while spinning the piston to get them to compress. The kit is a much better solution. Harbor Freight sells one of the kits and many of the chain auto parts stores will have a similar kit as part of their loan-a-tool program which shouldn't cost you anything as long as you remember to return the tool when you're done with it.

-Rod

[65comet]

Rod, pushing with all my might and trying to turn the cube without it jumping out of the slots is half the fun. (Laughing as I look at the scar on my knuckle from the last time) I take the caliper off, remove the rotor and pads, then remount the caliper so it is held firmly in place. I put my 3/8 to 1/2 adapter in the cube, then a 6 inch long 1/2 extension with 1/2 drive ratchet. This way I have can use both hands for tool alignment and cranking. I've put the good tool on my X-mas list a couple of times, but never got it. Guess I was on Santa's bad list.

[shorod]

For what you spend on bandages using that cube you could probably buy the kit from Harbor Freight. Catch it sometime when it's on sale AND you have a 20% off coupon.

-Rod