I have a 52 plate 2L Executive hatch back. I've just changed the front discs and pads without a problem but with the rear I'm struggling to push the piston back.
Do i need to slacken of the handbrake adjusters when fitting the pads? If I do where are they?
i acctually need to turn the piston? can i ask why? is it threaded? This would fit whit what someone was telling me about the windback tool that i could not understand.
If the piston has notches on, like in Grzesiek's picture then you need to turn it clockwise and not just push it in. It's because the handbrake operates on the discs. You can get the piston in by turning it slightly with some long-nosed pliers and then pushing it in a bit then repeating. And repeating. And repeating till the piston is fully wound back. Or you could get a wind back tool that turns and pushes at the same time and makes the job a lot quicker. Quick linkMy link
Make sure the notches in the piston line up with the little lugs on the back of the pads, otherwise you'll end up with them not being aligned properly. The pads and discs will overheat and get you into a whole load of trouble! This is a great little DIY that may give you some pointers.
Some designs of rear brake have a disc brake for slowing the car with a drum brake behind for the handbrake. The pistons on these would be smooth like those on the front brakes and don't need winding back in.
Thank you brodiu and OB1 really appreciate the advise.
All done and back together. without the advice I would never have gotten the rear pistons back in. My pads old and new did not have lugs to fit into the pistons.
I now just need to take the car for a spin to see if it stops.
