Rear brake pad change quick question

[mattrosersv]

Went to the garage 30 mins ago to prop car up ready for rear pad change tomorrow and could not help myself.

Pads out, caliper off, pistons won't retract enough. In fairness I only spent a couple of minutes trying then decided I need brake cleaner anyway so gave up for the night.

So my question is... do I need to adjust the handbrake to get the pistons to retract fully. I assume not , but just checking to save me faffing about tomorrow.

Thanks,

Matt

[Steve_T]

Handbrake is completely separate - it works using the inside of the discs as a drum.

[mattrosersv]

Aha, thanks for the quick response, feel pretty stupid now!

[jammy_basturd]

I've found having a caliper wind back tool is very handy. Just looked on Halfords and they are £30, but I'm sure they can be had cheaper.

[JensenA]

If you take the pads out, put the caliper back on, and then use a bar to lever against the disc and push the pistons back. It usually works.

[jammy_basturd]

Also take the brake reservoir cap off, to allow the fluid level to rise. Otherwise the you're not letting the air in the top of the reservoir escape and when the fluid is pushed back into the reservoir you'll just be trying to compress the air trapped inside.

If you think the reservoir will overflow then soak up some of the fluid with some tissue or kitchen roll first and keep an eye on the level very carefully whilst you push the piston back.

[Ireland]

You actually don't need to take the calipers off to change the rear brake pads.

If you remove the pins with the calipers still on the car you can pull the old pads out and push the new ones in without too much hassle.