rear brake pad fitting

[jimnielsen]

Hi. when i fitted new pads to the front calipers I had no trouble in pressing the piston in the caliper back in so that the new (thicker) pads could be installed. With the rears however, i can't seem to press the piston back in. I see in the manual that you are supposed to have a special tool to do this - but I don't have it (of course). How do you get the rear pistons to move in?

thanks, JimNielsen

[AlfaJack]

Yes, they need to be wound back in, they are very stiff , undo the bleed screw, it will help.

You could try long nose pliers, or try and make up some thing, but really you need this:

http://www.bizrate.co.uk/carrepairtools/oid563191540.html

[cuore_sportivo_155]

take one of these: http://www.toolspecial.com/images/5241000.jpg
and one of these: http://www.onlinebouwmarkt.nl/winkel/images/Lijmtang%20-%20zware%20uitvoering.jpg

with the latter you put pressure on the cilinder, and with the first you turn the cilinder. Do this alternatingly and the caliper will go in. Or by a special tool from Halfords or similar which will do the same.

BTW, if they don't want to turn clockwise, try counterclockwise. It only works one way, but don't know which way on the Q4...

[jimnielsen]

cool, thanks guys, I'll have a go at it in the morning!

[Steve Webb]

I think its clockwise, the first set i did I just used pliers, twisting and pushing in. But have since got a windback tool. You do need to get the correct fitment to the piston otherwise it can be a bit fiddly.

[wrinx]

They do go clockwise....I used to use the water pump pliers and G-clamp method but a windback tool is much easier!

Makes sure you line up the nipple on the back of the pads, with one of the recesses in the piston face ;)

wrinx

[jimnielsen]

Got it done - used a regular brake piston compressor in tandem with vice grips - worked a teat! Thanks to all!


http://www.nielsen.org/alfa155Q4/rearbrakejob.jpg

[Steve Webb]

Damn!! that rear suspension looks in good condition, hardly corroded at all. Mine was slowly turning into metal cornflakes whilst it was in the UK. Just a good job it lives in a garage now.
I guess the Japanese don't use salt on the roads.

[jimnielsen]

yes, its in remarkable condition. The car has only traveled 72000 km !

[cuore_sportivo_155]

10000 of which on a boat.. :)