i was changing my pads, but then i couldn't get the piston to go back in so i could put the new ones in. i open the cap reservoir and released the bleeder screw but it still wouldn't go in. i even broke the cheap c-clamp. does this mean the calipers are not good anymore? are they seized up? i could twist the piston left and right with a vise-grip but it's still kind of hard. please help on this.

 

The rears you have to twist. I think the best tool for this is a long flat head screwdriver. It will be kind of hard. The front ones just get some big channel lock pliers and squeeze it will slowly go back to normal.

 

i had this same issue last night..... it can be a sign that they will be crapping out soon.....

pump the breaks a few times to get them to go back out and try to compress them again..... do this a few times.... a few bangs of a hammer around the piston helps to unstick them as well..... good luck.....

 

and actually the best too to put the rear pistons back is an actual piston compression tool

it turns while expanding the clamping area.

 

The rear pistons turn clockwise into the REAR calipers, do not try & press the rears in or you will dmage them. Get some brake cleaner and a toothbrush to clean all the crap off the pistons & seals, that will help them turn in easier using a wide head screwdriver or scraper to TURN them in.

The FRONTS do just push back in clean them the same way first, it helps them slide easier if all the crap is cleaned off and makes a better servicing job, I would not hit them with a hammer you should not need to do that, just press them back firmly with a C clamp.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by petern101 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and actually the best too to put the rear pistons back is an actual piston compression tool

it turns while expanding the clamping area. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Working at honda I used one of those and they suck.
A screwdriver works the best. And you cant push the rear piston cause its on a thread it only screws back in.

 

whoever said to pump up the brakes while they are apart is wrong. Doing that will ensure that you will have to buy new calipers. If it is the front and its seized up you need to buy new ones anyway but, deffinately dont even apply the brakes if the front caliper isn't mounted on the rotor. Get new brakes.