I'm replacing the REAR brake pads on my 2008 Town & Country. How do you get the piston to retract so you can get the new, thicker pads into place?
Optional Information: Year: 2008 Make: Chrysler Model: Town & Country Minivan Engine: 4.0 ltr. Already Tried: Loosening the bleeder valve near the piston and applying plenty of pressure to the piston. A small amount of brake fluid came out of the bleeder valve, and the piston moved only about 1/8". This didn't seem to be the proper procedure so I stopped and contacted you. Thanks, Tim.
you will need a special tool call retractable brake tool . see picture. you can get this tool at any auto parts store or rent the tool at some auto parts store.
here is the procedure on doing the rear brakes on your vehicle and the tool needed and also shows how to use it PLEASE PRINT OR COPY THIS PAGE RIGHT AWAY BEFORE IT GETS DILITED.
INSTALLATION NOTE: Perform STEP 1 through STEP 6 on each side of vehicle to complete pad set installation, then proceed to STEP 7. CAUTION: Anytime the brake rotor or brake pads are being replaced, the rear caliper piston must be seated (bottomed) to compensate for the new brake rotor or lining. Because the parking brake self-adjuster mechanism is attached to the piston, a special seating method is required. The only acceptable method is by rotating the piston back into the bore using Retractor, Special Tool 8807, as described below. Any other seating method will damage the self-adjuster mechanism.
Experience: ase master/factory certified/and automotive instructor
OK, This makes sense, although I did use a hydraulic spreader to apply pressure to the piston, and it didn't help. Maybe I wasn't pushing straight enough. The tool you suggest looks like it would push straight against the piston.Thanks, Tim.
it will push and turn the piston to go in this calipers have a piston that needs to be turn and press at the same time to get it to go in, and this tool is especially for that.
thank you.