Removing pads without damaging the disc

[LandingSpot]

Got to remove the pads on the Celica since they need copper grease reapplying to them, but they are new on in the last 4000 miles.

Every time I've removed pads before has been to change the discs too, so have used a flatblade to push the pistons back in to allow enough room to get the pads over the step of the disc.

Is there anything I can do, apart from "being really careful", to get the pads out and leave the discs in good nick?

[paintman]

Being careful works for me.

[hyperblue]

Not sure if it's different on a Celica, but normally you can just remove the calipers and use a G clamp to compress the pistons all the way, no need to be levering against the disc.

Edited by hyperblue on Monday 19th July 23:27

[fioran0]

get a pair of water pump pliers, you know the ones that have long handles and you can open up the jaws for various widths on.
open then up so that the with of the jaws when closed just allows them to fit between the inside edges of the brake pad plates in through the opening on the caliper and then, with the top off the brake fluid reservior just pull on the arms and open up the pliers.
this will spread the pads back, pushing the pistons into the caliper and make it easy to remove.
using these really allows you to get good leverage.
if you dont have a special brake tool then this is the next best.