brake calipers

[FedEx Man]

ok so im doing an all around tune up: oil change, tranny fluid change, replaced valve cover gasket, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap and rotor, and brake pads. Im lucky to have the 95 ford escort gt with disc brakes all around, however i started working on the driver side rear brakes first. I took the brake pads off, which i had to use a hammer to loosen up the caliper...now i attempted to place the new pads onto the caliper BUT...the cylinder wont go back into the caliper. Ive used a c clamp to attemp to squeeze it back, but to no avail. i even removed the bleeder screw but doesnt help...ANY HELP would be appreciated. should i loosen the e brake cable or what?

[Arnoldtheskier]

DON'T quote me on this.I am NOT familiar with Escort rear disc calipers.BUT! this particular problem has "broken" many an expert.More so in the earlier days.It seems to be fairly well known now.
A LOT of calipers..in order to get the piston to retract..you CANNOT!!! push it back in.It WON'T go!..LOL..ROFL..there is a ratchet/pawl mechanism and the piston will only push OUT.In order to get it back in..for pad change etc., you simply TURN the piston..this will allow it to spin on the threaded shaft and go back IN.

HEHEHAHA..I BEAT one once with a BFH..(after my pad spreader/piston retractor wouldn't work) A LOT! then found out that you just turn it with 2 fingers.I hear that some you need large pliers.

Good luck!..

[FedEx Man]

any advice is worth trying so, thats what i'll do....i'll turn the damn piston with fingers or pliers.....and i'll letcha know how it works out.

[Arnoldtheskier]

I guessed wrong.I looked this up for you."If necessary,remove the screw plug and turn the adjustment gear counterclockwise with an Allen wrench to pull the piston fully inward"