OK, I got some front and back pairs of Hawk brake pads. I installed the fronts with no problem, but when I tried to install the back brakes, the pistons don't go in and I can't put the new pads on! I released the parking brake and used a C-clamp, and it still will not push in! How much force do I need? Am I forgetting to do something?

 

The pistons need to be rotated in a clockwise direction to go back in. A socket wrench without a socket ( just the square ) will work fine in the cross cutout in the piston.

 

You can also go to Autozone/PepBoys/Advance/NAPA and pick up a tool that fits into the slots to apply pressure evenly to rotate the puck. The tool should fit on a ratchet to give you leverage to turn. Just ask someone who works there and they should be able to help you find it.

There are several types, but I think the one that most parts stores have looks like a cube with prongs at different intervals to fit a variety of cars.

 

That or a thick, long screwdriver layed across the "X" will also work.

Don't feel bad, I sat there for over an hour trying MANY different methods to get the piston to go back in INCLUDING a mallet. I felt like an idiot when I THEN decided to read my Helm's manual and it told me the pistons screw back in. I am SOOOOO stupid sometimes.

 

and when doing that, loosen the bleeder screw a little bitt, it will make the piston to screw in much easier and smoother. plus prevent the dirty used fluid travelling back up the system.

 

Don't open the bleeder. It's not neccesary, and can allow air into the system. You'll be making even more work for yourself to bleed the air out.

 

[QUOTE=Slows2k,May 25 2006, 06:00 PM]Don't open the bleeder. It's not neccesary, and can allow air into the system. You'll be making even more work for yourself to bleed the air out.

 

Bleeding the brakes is not required for a pad replacement, or to retract the caliper pistons. If you guys want to bleed them at the same time, it's a personal preference. Not mandatory.

 

 

Then bleed the system. It still doesn't require the bleeder to be opened to retract the pistons.