I own a 2003 honda accord. I just purchased a new set of pads for the rear disc brakes but am unable to retract the caliper. I was told there was a special tool for this but am unable to locate it. Please any help would be appreciated.

 

I've never looked at those brakes but since you say it takes a special tool I'm going to assume it's the same tool I used to use on my 95 Accord EX.

Disc Brake Piston Tool

You use a 3/8 drive ratchet, 3/8 drive 3" long extension and this tool. First figure out which side of the tool works for your brakes. Then insert the 3/8 extension into the square hole in the tool. Next just turn your piston back into the caliper. If need be, take the cap of the brake master cylinder, this will release pressure and allow you to turn the piston easier.

 

I already have that tool. I was instructed by my local mechanic that that was the incorrect method for compressing the caliper. He stated that there was a special tool like that used for retracing the parking brake cable on rear drum brakes.

 

i just used a flat head screw driver and turned the piston i think clockwise


i know tsaauto.com is selling the tool for like 12 bucks

 

thats the only tool I know of, but again I haven't looked at the rear brakes of a 03+ Accord either.

what is the "correct" method for compressing the piston into the caliper? Or did he not say?

 

He stated that it required a special tool that resembles two screwdrivers, one smaller than the other to hold something out of the way and turn back an internal screw for the parking brake cable mutch like that on rear drum brakes.

 

to me, all it sounds like he is describing is what you do when working on drum brakes (turning the adjusting bolt to bring the shoes in closer or out to contact the drum). That doesn't sound like anything I've seen on disc brakes when compressing the piston into the caliper.

 

Do what TouringAccord said. It is right. If you want even more easier, unscrew the bleedscrew half or quarter of a turn.

It might be hard at first, but keep trying. It'll go in.