Getting piston back into caliper...Bedding?

[UrMyStlkAl]

Okay so I replaced my rotors and brake pads today (I have a pic of the new pad vs. the old pad and as you can see, they needed replacement pretty bad). On all the writeups I saw on doing this project everyone said use a C-clamp to get the piston back into the caliper. I was like wtf are these people talking about, what piston. I figured it was just something I was missing and said oh well.
So as I'm finishing and trying to put everything back together I'm like man this shit doesn't fit anymore w/ the new brake pads. Ahhhh they must mean I need to get this big ass thing and push it back in so it will fit. Is this what everyone is talking about right here? If so what's an easy way of getting it back in, I'm trying to push it and that bi*** doesn't budge. I don't have a C-clamp so I can't use that. Also do I need to release the pressure somehow to push it in?

The piston I need to get back in...(I think)

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Old pads vs. New pads...

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[SlowSpyder]

get the brake piston tool from craftsman, its only 10 bucks

 

[wret]

You can pry on it. Just use slow even pressure.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

okay so just find some way to push it back in? Just making sure that I'm pushing on the right thing and there isn't anything special I need to do.

 

[luv2rallye]

It must be pushed in absolutely square with the cylinder so a prying is a bad idea. Get the brake piston retractor from Sears or any auto shop. U can use a piece of wood across the piston top to screw the retractor into. Don't forget to siphon out some brake fluid from your master cyl (about half full) as it will rise when you do this and go all over the place. Top it off to full level when done.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

Okay well I'm gonna go outside and mess with it moer and see what I can do with it w/ out buying a tool. I would go buy one if the only car at my house wasn't up on jacks w/ no brakes, .

 

[luv2rallye]

Well in absence of the tool, you should use a large C clamp between the rear of the caliber and a piece of wood across the cyl top rim. Go slow and be as square as possible or you risk damage/leaking. Make sure the piston and inside of cyl are spotless. And the rubber ring around piston is not damaged (usually this should be replaced when reinstalling piston). Coat piston, ring, and inside of cyl with new brake fluid before installing.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

Ahh got it guys thanks. I finally found a big ass C-clamp and that owned it. I tested it out and at first it didn't stop and i was like uh oh, no brakes but then they came back in just a sec. I'm guessing the Piston had to adjust itself. Anyway things are good now and I guess I just have to take it easy on the brakes for a little bit right? Guess that means no track night tonight

 

[FlipDsM]

yep, dont go to the track... usually the break in period for the rotor is like 150-200miles.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

What do you guys think is the proper "bedding technique". Everyones idea is different. Some say that you do some hard stops and others say thats bad for it and you need to be light on the brakes. Not sure....

Here are some that I found..
http://www.automotiveforums.com/t86433.html

http://www.se-r.net/car_info/brake_performance.html

http://www.wrx.mine.nu/Technicial/Performance/brake_pad_and_rotor_bedding.htm

 

[Whitetalonb16g]

u think that was tricky try to do the brakes on the rear of a 1g w/o the special tool. U need to spin the piston at the same time its being compressed. The tool was expensive so me and my bud just used a big set of pliers and the brake tool from autozone for like 10bux.

 

[UrMyStlkAl]

, so what do you guys do as far as bedding?

 

[BISHILVR]

i like to sleep undressed.....usually in the summer a thin sheet is fine......

 

[UrMyStlkAl]