[mena661]

Can't get the passenger side rear caliper to screw in enough to get the brake pads on. Can't get the old pads back on either. I released the parking brake. I am turning clockwise. The caliper is turning but it seems only to go to a certain point. Never had this problem before, it was easy the last time. Any help is appreciated.

 

[mena661]

Tried a couple more things. Opened up the bleeder screw then just removed the brake line. None of those worked. I read in another thread that someone had a similar problem and bought the proper tool for this from Harbor Frieght and that worked for him. I may do the same but still all ears here.

 

[TomatoSoup]

First, please don't multiple post... it just dilutes the responses.

Can you clarify the issue a bit? You said the piston went in to a point, was that as you screwed it in? Or just as you pushed it in? Point is, the piston can come off the adjuster threads, then it's a bugger to push and turn, and push and turn until you manage to engage it and it'llscew back in all the way. The correct tool certainly helps here. If that IS your issue, then just keep persevering!

 

[mena661]

Sorry about the multiple posts. Yes, the piston went in to a point while I was screwing it in then stopped (it still turns though). Odd it came off the threads while being pushed in. Never had this happen before and it sucks. I'll buy and try the tool tomorrow if I am unsuccessful tonight. Thanks for replying!

 

[Black_Out]

I used the harbor freight tool (~$40 I believe?) to wind back both my rotors when I fixed the emergency brake. Before I figured out the proper way to use the tool, I was getting frustrated because I thought the piston should've wound back a lot easier than I was experiencing, as well.

However, once I got the tool hooked up in the proper way, it was easy-peasey to wind back the calipers.

 

[mena661]

Thanks for replying. Got the tool but like yourself am not using properly. The bolt that holds the clamp in place loosens as I turn the T handle and I have to retighten it. I'm guessing that clamp needs to stay tight in order for this to work. Tried to hold that bolt in place with channel locks but it loosens anyways. I'm definitely doing something wrong here.

 

[mena661]

FIGURED IT OUT!!!!! Needed to use the RIGHT HAND TOOL (marked RH) not the left hand tool (marked LH). The bolt that adjusts the clamp tightness needs to turn counterclockwise. Found my error on a YT video (skip to 3:40). I'll post that video and a link to the tool on Harbor Freight.

18 Piece Disc Brake Pad and Caliper Service Tool Kit

Tool kit is $40. Use the "M" adapter.

Thanks everyone with your replies and help!!!

 

[chickenwire]

Glad you nailed it - and shared the results!

 

[mena661]

Finished up all the brakes and took it for a test drive. Everything is working great. Thanks all again.

 

[Black_Out]

Don't feel bad, man. I did exactly as you did and used the LH tool first til I figured out I needed to use the RH tool. Glad to hear you got it sorted out. :thumbs:

 

[mena661]

Don't feel bad, man. I did exactly as you did and used the LH tool first til I figured out I needed to use the RH tool. Glad to hear you got it sorted out. :thumbs:

It's all learning!! Thanks for the help.

 

[BellaVerde]

Glad you got it figured out! Nice having that P brake back, aint it?

 

[mena661]

Glad you got it figured out! Nice having that P brake back, aint it?

I was thinking I would have to drive the truck this week! LOL! Oddly, I've never had a problem with the parking brake except when it was new and the dealer adjusted it and it's been good ever since.

 

[rob the elder]

Great job. Thanks for the reference video.:thumbs:

 

[SkyPilot]

Great info, Mena661 and Black Out!! :thumbs: Timely too, as I will be taking care of mine during our 2 week end of year shut down. Already have the HF tool kit.

 

[mena661]

Thanks. I have this thread subscribed so I can hopefully help out if you need it.

 

[R&T]

Isn't there a $10 tool at Sears that is for the GM caliper? Looks like a cube. Ive seen it but never used it.

 

[TX08manualGXP]

Interesting. although I have done hundreds of brake jobs, I have yet to work on a vehicle with the turn type pistons and am greatful to come across this post. I do have a set of ratchet wrenches which were worth every penny and use them all the time so I'm good there. As for the piston tool, I'm quite sure that I have something in my garage I can modify that will work just as good if not better than the multi vehicle tool at HF. Now that I'm aware of it, next time I'm out there I think I'll dig around and see what I can come up with
Thanks again for the post and video.

 

[mena661]

Isn't there a $10 tool at Sears that is for the GM caliper? Looks like a cube. Ive seen it but never used it.

Not aware of that particular tool.

I do have a set of ratchet wrenches which were worth every penny and use them all the time so I'm good there..

Just bought a set myself and I agree.

 

[R&T]

Sears.com

Here it is. Never looked at pistons that have to be rotated back in but I assume there are grooves or slots this and other tools have to latch into to get the piston to turn.