95 Taurus Rear Disc-Brake problem!

[Mustang-Josh98]

I tried to replace my rear pads today. One of the calipers wont seat. And this is the thing, its only 3 1/2 months old. I replaced it myself because the original was leaking right around the piston. Kept ratcheting clockwise for at least 5 min, maybe 5 to 10 complete revolutions. The piston just wont retract! Still has about 3/4 of an inch to bottom. Am I doing something wrong? I'm thinking its defective. ( Job performed with Brake Master-Cylinder cap unscrewed and brake bleeder closed )

[ricebike]

hope you have the receipt for that defective caliper

[shorod]

Rotating the piston by itself won't cause it to retract, you also need to apply pressure on it. The little cubes that go on the end of a socket wrench are difficult to use for this reason, in the event that's what you're trying. You'll probably need to borrow the rear disc brake compressor kit from your local parts store. Hopefully they have one in their Loan-a-Tool program similar to this one.

-Rod

[fubard]

I just did this job on my 1995 .1 caliper was frozen tight and had destroyed the rotor. I replaced it and put new pads in the rear. WHen I went to do th eother side I could not retract the piston and I use a proper tool. I ended up replacing it , even though it was working fine !!!

GL

[Mustang-Josh98]

Time to update! Few weeks go by and I start losing brake pressure on the highway. Pedals dropping and it doesn't seem safe but the brakes are still working. I'm gonna replace my other caliper so both will be new. Went back to the parts store, bought the other caliper 53$ Installed it and the new pads-no problems! What did I walk away with from this one? When I went back to finish the left-side , which was the first side that failed. I realized you need to open the brake bleeder valve for the piston to retract! 1/2 inch drive ratchet and adapter did it! Didn't need to rent the spring compressor tool! Thanks for the posts!