how do you compress the pistons??? the only way i saw available was to take off the valve on the caliper and let the fluid drain out so i did that and got the pads in and everything back on the way it's supposed to be, now my brake light's on. normally i thought this was only associated with the e-brake (newb call i suppose) but my e-brake's down all the way and the brakes work fine (the way they should with a new set of pads). tell me i didn't screw up my brakes please haha.

maybe i didn't put the valve back on tight enough or too tight??? i don't have a torque wrench handy so i just kinda gave it a few good, stiff turns. i checked them once i reparked it and nothing's leaking. any ideas? thanks.

 

use a big c-clamp to compress the piston.. or your hands if youre strong enough..
seeing how you opened that valve.. you released fluid and now there isnt any. or its low.... which is why your light it on..
to fix that.. you need to bleed your brakes..

find an assistant..
top off the brake fluid reservoir
have them pump the brake pedal
then you crack that valve for a brief second to let some fluid out..
itll spit and shoot and what not
you need to get all the air out of it and new fluid into it.
once the fluid comes out nice and clear/clean.. its probably good.
do it to all the wheels you touched.. or all of them if you prefer..

 

The light comes on before you actually suck air into the system. Check the master cylinder level and top it off. If there is even just a little bit at the bottom of the reservoir you're good.

 

the engine needs to be running i assume?

 

No, not to check the fluid or to bleed the brake should you need to.

 

sick wit it. thanks guys =P