Changing Brakes

[lentinman]

Is there a special tool required to push the cylinder back so that I can fit the new brake pads on. I was told that I could do it with a clamp, but someone else said there may be a specific tool required. I have a 95 Saturn SL1.

Thanks, Len

[peppermrj]

Originally Posted by lentinman

Is there a special tool required to push the cylinder back so that I can fit the new brake pads on. I was told that I could do it with a clamp, but someone else said there may be a specific tool required. I have a 95 Saturn SL1.

Thanks, Len

A c-clamp is fine for the front. If you have rear disc brakes you do need a special tool. The pistons sort of screw in. You can get a cheapie that looks like a metal box about an inch square. It has pins on all sides. Certain pins will match up with your pistons. You use a 3/8ths ratchet to turn it and the piston inward.

[lentinman]

Originally Posted by peppermrj

A c-clamp is fine for the front. If you have rear disc brakes you do need a special tool. The pistons sort of screw in. You can get a cheapie that looks like a metal box about an inch square. It has pins on all sides. Certain pins will match up with your pistons. You use a 3/8ths ratchet to turn it and the piston inward.

Thanks for the response. I started doing it and I ran into an immediate problem. I cannot get the bolts to come loose that hold the whole caliper assembly on. I don't want to break anything, but I have yanked on the wrench and hammered on the wrench. They don't screw in the opposite way from normal do they?

Thanks again.

Len

[peppermrj]

right tight left loose. Remember to take into account you are not facing the bolt heads.
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8019acf0.jsp

[saturnspeed_12]

Originally Posted by peppermrj

right tight left loose. Remember to take into account you are not facing the bolt heads.
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8019acf0.jsp

yeah thats the biggest problem people run into with brakes. see looking from the outside, you would be turning it to the right. yet if you are under the car it would be left to loosen. yeah there is a brake caliper tool, its like $4 and then for quite a few gm cars, normally no longer newer ones, you have to use a special tool the turns the piston while shoving it in since the parking brake is apart of the caliper. on newer cars they use a drum style parking brake.