I'm doing my brakes today, and got the fronts done without any problems. However, the rears are giving me a headache.

I've got the calipers unbolted and took the OEM pads out. The Hawk pads fit in there, but I can't get the piston to de-compress enough so that I can get the whole assembly back onto the rotor. The lines are disconnected, so there shouldn't be any pressure in the caliper.

So what am I missing? The e-brake is not engaged, but do I have to disassemble and remove the e-brake cable first or what?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

You have to twist them back in. You will never get the rear brake pistons to compress by just pushing them in, regardless of pressure.

 

I ued a very large screw driver to help twist them back in. Of course that was after an hour of trying to squeeze, hammer, push, and everything else I could think of to get them to compress back in. Then I decided to read the Helm's manual I had paid for and low and behold, there was the 'twisting them in' answer I needed. What a numb skull!! I paid money for a manual I didn't open.

 

ALways the noobs

 

Hahaha.....I just did a last minute change on my Rear pads. Took me 10 minutes.. The only thing that 's PITA is the screwing of the calipers.

 

There's a super secret technique posted around here somewhere. On the S2000 calipers, you can actually use a ratchet/socket extension to screw them back in. I believe it's a 1/4" extension that you need, but I can never remember.

Or, you can buy the universal tool that is needed from Autozone or something. But, the key... as already stated... is that you have to twist the piston back in... you can't just push it.

BTW.... you have your lines disconnected? Please be sure you bleed them properly when you're finished.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Just a bonehead move by me. Went to AutoZone, got the tool needed, and everything went smoothly from there on out.

And yes I bled my lines properly. I changed out my rotors, pads, lines, and fluid. The caliper thing was the only thing that threw me. I've changed brakes before, but never came across a caliper piston that twists inward rather than compresses, but apparently it's fairly common. Chalk one up to a learning experience for me.

Thanks again! My brakes work great now.