Rear brakes

[a88fl1]

Just about to do the rears on my FWD. Do you really need the piston tool or have people been able to ghetto rig something? Dont really feel like paying $30 for something Im going to use once.

[offroader1006]

c clamp and a pair of channel locks.

use the c clamp to apply pressure inwards, and turn the piston with the channel locks.

[djwimbo]

I've used a set of needle nose pliers numerous times to turn in the piston.

Hopefully you don't have same issues I've had w/ both my cars (FWD and Quattro). I had to overhaul the calipers due to the pistons not retracting. Change your brake fluid once in awhile and you won't get nasty build up in there, preventing the piston from being retracted.

[milehighpilot]

how do you know if they have to be overhauled? i am actually working on mine right now. I can get the piston to move in but only to the depth of the pads by themselves not enough room for the rotor. its really quite frustrating. are there any other tricks?



and i was able to turn it to this point with just a pair of needle nose pliers....

[itsbigj05]

who says you need to pay $30? i loaned one from autozone. it was a $30 deposit that you get back when you return the tool.