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View Full Version : Front brake caliper wont compress


drewzee
10-27-2009, 09:43 PM
So I'm changing my brake pads today, rear went out and in without a hitch. My fronts, however, are a whole different story. I got the caliper off of the rotor, but I can't compress it to get the new pads around the rotor. I've tried C-clamps and uncovering the brake fluid reservoir, but am I missing something? Why won't the front caliper compresS?
lightflyer1
10-27-2009, 11:08 PM
The piston is extended all the way out and is probably cocked slightly. Make sure it is straight while pushing in.
Xenocide
10-27-2009, 11:15 PM
yup, put a thin piece of wood, or steel over the whole piston then put c clamp in the center.
PHARMDVIPER
10-27-2009, 11:16 PM
haha funny you posted this...because yesterday I swapped out my track pads and couldn't for the LIFE OF ME get my street pads back in on the rear...I had the piston pushed in as far as it would go.....ended up hammering the outside pad in for it to fit

im not sure what it is...its only happened the last couple of times ive swapped them....the fronts always go on without a problem
drewzee
10-28-2009, 12:03 AM
What a PITA!!! I did do the thin piece of wood with a c-clamp, but it wasn't budging at all. I ended up having to take the brake line off so that i could compress it. Now I have to bleed tomorrow :( Not a fun day for the e36
jmo69
10-28-2009, 12:11 AM
Why didn't you apply some pressure with the c-clamp and then crack the bleeder until the piston moved back far enough?
drewzee
10-28-2009, 12:13 AM
Why didn't you apply some pressure with the c-clamp and then crack the bleeder until the piston moved back far enough?

because my douchebag roomate used my tools and lost the wrench that fits the bleeder valve :(
jmo69
10-28-2009, 12:46 AM
because my douchebag roomate used my tools and lost the wrench that fits the bleeder valve :(
That sucks!
snobles
10-28-2009, 01:51 AM
u just needed to twist the c-clamp harder, change them out on cars all the time, the fronts stick alot more often, its all in the big c-clamps :)
occhis
11-19-2009, 11:19 PM
I like to use an old brake pad between the c-clamp and the piston with the backing plate against the piston. Nice flat hard surface against the piston and just the right size.