I'm replacing the rear pads. I know I have to rotate the pistons in order to compress them. What I need to know is with what? Is there a special tool, can I do it by hand, or should I use pliers? I've never had to do brakes like these before, so it's all new to me.

 

get the largest flat head screw driver you have or a tire iron that has a flat tip on it.. you just need to find something to turn it with.. i used a screw driver.

 

i hope yours compress enough. mine arenb't compressing. if they went another 1/16" i'd be fine. they are a big pain in the rear. oh well, it prompted me to get new seals and boots for the rear and since i'm taking the whole caliper apart and cleaning the crap out of it, I figured I'd get it sandblasted and powdercoated. what color? GOLD, to match the vtec front calipers I got..

 

I got a universal tool from napa for like 8 bucks. worked like a champ

 

just remember to release the hand brake

i used a chizel as a big screw driver

 

My local autozone had like a brake kit that you could rent for free. Just have to pay the $35 as a deposit.

 

gotcha. So lemme get this straight: it's got a groove in it for a straight-blade screwdriver, or I could rent a tool at Vatozone?

 

I used a big file and a paint scraper actually... man those rear calipers were a bitch.

 

that's what I've gathered...I'm not looking forward to trying to compress a piston while rotating it on a car w/ over 140k on the clock...

thanks to all those who helped.

 

My f22a before it blew up had 246,000 miles on it...heh....take those calipers off dammit. YEAAA....

 

here's what i used:





you use it on the end of an extension on your ratchet. each side of the tool is specifically designed to fit into different brands of brake caliper pistons. you basically find the correct side of the tool that fits into the piston and twist away. although, i have also used a big flat-head scredriver or needle nose pliers.

 

that is an awesomely righteous tool, @ries...

So now I gotta ask--where'dja get it?

 

any auto parts store should have them. heck, maybe even wally-mart.

 

I got one just like aries at sears, but i've also seen them in autozone. Any car parts place should have them.

 

I just used pliers..........i didn't think it was hard. But I did see that square thing....but it was too late.