Replacing Brake Pads - Need Some Help Pls

GregS · 09-14-2001, 07:13 PM

Good Evening. I'm (for the first time) replacing the brake pads on my '73T - alloys in front, M's in back. I'm having trouble (or maybe I'm still a little timid about) applying too much force to retract the caliper pistons. I'm trying a piece of wood (pine, I think) and I've considered Channel-locks, but I'm a little nervous about messing up either the pistons or the calipers. Can anybody give me some suggestions about what else I might use, and also, how much pressure should it really take to retract the pistons? Thanks very much in advance for your help.

makaio · 09-14-2001, 07:25 PM

Greg,
I have never actually done this yet myself. But from what I understand, it doesn't take hercules strength, but pretty good pressure to get the pistons to re-track. I would think pine would be a good choice, since it is a soft wood. Maybe even a pry-bar behind or sand-wiched between two thin pieces would help. I hope I have been of at least a slight help.

------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

pwd72s · 09-14-2001, 07:30 PM

Ohhh, somebody will probably tell me I'm all wrong doing it this way..but forget the wood piece. I leave the old pads in place, use a screwdriver as a wedge between the old pad and the disc...shove like hell. That way, I don't touch the pistons, but still shove 'em back enough to slip the new pads in.

[This message has been edited by pwd72s (edited 09-14-2001).]

pwd72s · 09-14-2001, 08:02 PM

Another tip...I shove a rag in the opening of the brake fluid reservoir when changing pads. When you push the pistons back, the fluid level rises. Brake fluid does nasty stuff to paint. Rag seems to soak up enough.

GregS · 09-14-2001, 08:37 PM

Guys, thanks very much for your help. I found that, with a little more leverage, and a little more uuumph, the pistons retracted.
Thanks again for the support. Greg.