Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums

(This is the forums archive - If you want to get back to the main site simply click the banner above and you will be taken to our homepage.)

Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums is the Ultimate Online Resource for Owners and Enthusiasts of American Luxury Cars. Feel free to browse through our archive - but make sure you make it back to our main site - Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums

Cadillac XLR : Cadillac CTS : Cadillac : 2005 Cadillac STS : Cadillac Forums : 2000 Lincoln LS : Lincoln Mark VIII : Lincoln Mark VII : Car Wax
Lincoln Town Car : Lincoln Air Suspension : Lincoln Continental : Lemon Law : Do It Yourself Car Repair : Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums : Mesothelioma

Back to the Archive Main Page

Pages: 1

Anyone have this problem with rear brake install?

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Tractionless

I put the new brake pads and slotted rotors on this weekend but did run into two snags. I just wanted to test the waters here and see where my problem was.

1. The cube tool is worthless. It didn't even fit the grooves in the piston. It seems to be too narrow and doesn't get enough "bite" to turn the piston, ie it slips off. In turn I opened the bleed screw and used a heavy duty pair of wire strippers and turned both pistons in with ease, with no c-clamp at that.

2. On both the stock pads and the Satisfied Pro's from Tirerack there is a small "post" if you will on the backing plate bottom center. It didn't seem to be a problem with the stockers but the "post" on the SP's interferred with the piston to the point where the caliper would not slide down around the pads. I improvised and grinded it off. Has anyone else had this difficulty? It looks as if the post should go into the groove on the piston but how does the piston rotate then as the pads wear?

Nonetheless all it buttoned back up and break in of the pads and rotors is complete. Looks much nicer too as they are silver zinc plated.

Posted by: press77

just started a rear brake job and came on line for some help on a 1996 mark. How do you get the pistion to go in so that you can itstall the new brakes. I guess I should have brought the chiltons book? I tried squeezing it with big pliers, but if I understand you correct. It screws in? please help.

Posted by: 94m5

I use a pair of QUALITY needle nose pliers to push the pistons back in. Open them just to the point that they lock in to the groves in the piston, PUSH and twist clockwise at the same time. Be careful tho, as the pliers can slip out of the grove and close on your fingers. Just keep decent pressure on them and you should be ok.

And the tab is ok on the back of the pads. The pistons don't need to rotate to adjust themselves. Just to reset them.

I am thinking about buying a leslie brake changing kit. It comes with everything you need to push pistons back in on anything made today. I figure it would pay for it's self very quickly.

Mike

Posted by: bigdog1279

i also yous needle know pliers on rear calipers

Posted by: buddylee

I used a pair of chanal locks to turn them at the same time my son pushed with a large socket.

the cude tool is a waste of money , I bet someone sells a better one.

Posted by: PioneerCrazed

This little kit works like a charm, the hardest part was figuring out how to use it. I borrowed it from a mechanic friend, but I guess sometimes its on sale for 15 bucks. Well worth it IMO...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40732

Posted by: 94m5

Thats almost exactly what the lisle kit looks like.

Posted by: 1wykdmk8

Quote:

Originally Posted by PioneerCrazed

This little kit works like a charm, the hardest part was figuring out how to use it. I borrowed it from a mechanic friend, but I guess sometimes its on sale for 15 bucks. Well worth it IMO...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40732

That is the same kit that I have and use. Works great, and is relatively cheap......in comparison to rebuilding the rear calipers if you rip the freakin boot using any other tool.......especially channel locks.....like I have in the past.

Posted by: MartySchwartz

The El-Cheapo cube tool almost fit when I replaced the pads last year. A little grinding made for a perfect fit and saved me the trouble of buying another tool right at that moment.