Changing the rear brake pads and can't compress the piston into the caliper- any ideas? 2003 rendezvous

YOU NEED TO COMPRESS THE CALIPER PISTON USING SPECIAL TOOL 09580 - 3400 OR YOU CAN USE A LARGE C CLAMP AND THE OLD BRAKE SHOE NEXT TO CALIPER PISTON.BE SURE TO SIPHON OUT 1/3 BRAKE FLUID OUT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER BEFORE COMPRESSING CALIPER PISTON BACK IN THE CALIPER BORE.WHEN YOU FINISH REPLACING REPLACING REAR BRAKE SHOES.MAKE SURE BRAKE MASTERCYLINDER RESERVOIR COVER BACK ON RESERVOIR BACK IN PLACE.THEN PUMP BRAKE PEDAL TO SEAT BRAKE SHOES AGAINST ROTORS AND UNTIL YOU GET FIRM SOLID BRAKES.THEN CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.DONT DRIVE CAR IF BRAKE PEDAL FEEL SOFT NOT FIRM.CHECK FOR LEAKING BRAKE HOSE OR LEAKING CALIPER PISTON SEAL.

Hi there,

The pads are easy to change. You do not need any special tools. If there are no grooves in the rotors I would just put on new pads. Don't get cheap pads or they will squeek. I would strongly suggest that you flush out the old brake fluid. You will be amazed at how brown and gunky the old fluid is. Flushing the fluid regularly will help make your calipers and master cylinder last a long time. I like to use Valvoline Synpower brake fluid, it is a couple bucks more but it is DOT 4.

One last tip. When compressing the brake caliper piston you do not want to push the fluid back up to the system, because you might get some crud into the ABS module. Therefore, when compressing the piston, loosen the bleed screw to let the fluid flow out of the bleed screw.

This is how to get it done:

• Remove the old fluid from the master cylinder resevior with a turkey baster. Top up master cylinder with fluid.
• Remove the right rear wheel and bleed/flush the brakes with the old pads on. Top up master cylinder with fluid(important). Remove the caliper, open the bleed screw and compress the piston, close the bleed screw.
• Install new pad and caliper
• Bleed again. Top up master cylinder with fluid.
• Repeat on remaining 4 wheels RR, LR, RF, LF.

Glad to be of help!!!

You can rent the caliper compression tool from O'rielly's auto parts and compress the piston. I did it and it was very easy and made changing the pads a breeze.

A special tool is required to compress the caliper piston on the rear brakes-don't use a C-clamp on the piston.
Raise the vehicle and remove the tire. The rear calipers have only one guide pin. Remove this pin and raise the caliper. Remove the old brake pads. Using the special tool compress the caliper piston-the piston will have one or two slots on it. These slots must in the correct position to remount the caliper. Install the new brake pads and slide the caliper back over the rotor and replace the guide pin. If the caliper doesn't slide over the rotor you'll need to reset the slots on the piston. Replace the tires and you're ready to go.

Those are special calipers. The piston cannot be just compressed back into the caliper - it needs to be turned as it is compressed or you can ruin the caliper.There is a kit you can rent from AutoZone or many independent auto parts stores that will perform both functions at the same time.
Block fron wheels and raise vehicle passenger side. Remove wheel. The caliper is on the top rear side of the assembly you're looking at.There are 2 long bolts you'll need to remove to take the caliper off the vehicle. Don't remove the brake line or open the bleeder screw ( either of these moves will add to your work!! ) Insert a large flat blade screwdriver in between the rotor and outboard brake pad and pry away from the vehicle slightly to release the pads from the rotor. Slide caliper upwards and towards the back of the vehicle to separate from rotor. The pads will come in a full set ( all 4 pads for both side of the rear ) . Look at your replacement pads and determine if they have a retainer clip holding them in place or a compression clip. Remove outboard pad first then inboard. Match old pads to replacement pads. Inspect rotor for grooves and irregular surfaces - if any grooves or irregularity present, remove rotor and take to an auto parts store for refinishing.Compress caliper piston with kit and allow 5 minutes for pressure to bleed back into the master cylinder.install rotor if removed and wipe surfaces with brake clean. Install inboard then outboard pad and place caliper on rotor, then mount to vehicle. Install wheel, repeat procedure for drivers side, then PUMP BRAKE PEDAL 5 TIMES BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE VEHICLE to set pads on rotors.

front or rear? in front only need to remove the 2 screws of caliper, remove it and compress the caliper piston with a c-clamp put the new pads, caliper and tight the screws. For rear is the same procedure but need a tool for compress the caliper piston, looks like http://www.chain-auto-tools.com/pics/AMR450L.jpg and in this page is how to use need to turn clockwise and press for compress it http://image.superstreetonline.com/f/9520063/130_22_z+acura_rsx_s_brake_install+compress_piston.jpg

If it's like the 2003 The left-hand brake caliper piston retracts counter clockwise and the right-hand retracts clockwise.

you need a special tool which fits into the two slots on the caliper and rotates while applying pressure to return the caliper piston. it is because the caliper piston is threaded for use with a combination parking brake.

no that is only the older rear calipers on gm and others. the fronts do not have that style caliper and sound like the calipers are frozen and may be way your changing the pads. try opening the bleeder screw and then compressing them if they go then you need need brake hoses and if not you need calipers. god luck man

on the rear the piston winds back in at the same time as pushing it not like the front