I'm trying to install my Panther Plus pads and I can't get the caliper to fit over the new pads. It looks like the brake piston is in the way by about 2 to 3 mm. How do I retract the piston? I'm doing the front pads right now. Thanks!

 

For the fronts, you can just use a C-clamp to compress the calipers out of the way. Alternatively, a tool specifically made for that purpose can be bought at any carparts store for cheap. For the backs, you have to screw the piston into the caliper. I layed a small screwdriver into the grooves on the piston for leverage. Again, a cheap, relatively generic tool can be bought to make the task a little easier.

Good luck.

 

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

 

Yea, use a c-clamp on the fronts and put an old pad across the ridge of the piston and then use the clamp to squeeze the piston back in.


You have a couple of options for the rears. There are a variety of tools for this...one is a like a little cube which has a different "tooth" pattern on each side...this tool is used with a socket driver. Works pretty well, but don't use it with an extension...it's harder to gain leverage with an extension, trust me...

But for the rears, I use an ordinary shelf bracket. It's rather heavy duty and is just a little less wide than the cross-hatch pattern on the rear piston...so it fits well into the piston. And the 90 degree angle of the bracket helps when turning the piston back in...

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys! I installed the brake pads and bled the fluid.

I used a funky tool I found in the garage to clamp the front pistons. It's like an oversized plier. I'm not sure what it's used for but it worked.

For the rears, I just used the shaft of a screwdriver to turn the piston. I think I'll invest in a tool to do it in the future.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gilcwong
[B]Thanks guys!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gilcwong
[B]Thanks guys!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SilverSurfer
[B]

I use a bare 3/8 in ratchet.