When changing brake pads, whats the preferable way to push back in the pistons?

 

flat head screwdriver. 1 piston at a time.

 

dont forget to take off your brake resevior cap

 

Why would you do that?

 

So it's easier to push back the piston... lets all the air escape, so you're not pushing it against something closed.

 

Okay, I thought we were trying to suggest that the fluid might need to escape or something stupid like that. However, I have never had difficulty pushing my pistons back, but that's me.

 

I used to use a pair of pliers and used the old pad to help push the pistons back. Then again, I'm just lazy like that.

 

I just use the handle-end of a socket wrench, works out good

 

with spoon calipers, i just push the pistons in by hand. it's pretty easy, actually.....

 

Wait a minute, aren't there bleed screws on the spoon clappers? From all my brake changes I've done when doing them I get a locking plier and lock it on the rubber portion of the brake line and open the bleed screw when pusing the piston back. That way you don't get any nasty fluid back into the line, hence the bleeding of course with the cap off and then just top off the resevior. I'm I doing something wrong or just being **** about it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wait a minute, aren't there bleed screws on the spoon clappers? From all my brake changes I've done when doing them I get a locking plier and lock it on the rubber portion of the brake line and open the bleed screw when pusing the piston back. That way you don't get any nasty fluid back into the line, hence the bleeding of course with the cap off and then just top off the resevior. I'm I doing something wrong or just being **** about it?</TD></TR></TABLE>


.....totally unnecessary.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wait a minute, aren't there bleed screws on the spoon clappers? From all my brake changes I've done when doing them I get a locking plier and lock it on the rubber portion of the brake line and open the bleed screw when pusing the piston back. That way you don't get any nasty fluid back into the line, hence the bleeding of course with the cap off and then just top off the resevior. I'm I doing something wrong or just being **** about it?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thinking about this method puzzles me since if you're cutting off fluid coming into the caliper and you crack open the bleeder, isn't there a higher chance for air to be reintroduced into the system? That and using locking pliers on SS lines (for those who have it) is kind of pointless/useless.

Or am I over analyzing this?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thk &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used to use a pair of pliers and used the old pad to help push the pistons back. Then again, I'm just lazy like that. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats what I do. It works everytime.

 

with the old pads still inplace, i use a screw driver (wedged between th epad and rotor) and push the pad/pistons in.
and yes i do it with the cap open its easier that way.

 

Thanks for all the advice.
I just changed the pads this weekend and it was a cinch! Just loosen the bleeder screw a tad and pushed it in easily with my bare hands.