Compressing brake piston

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 07:42

When changing pads you need to compress the piston, do you use a specific tool or can you do it with screwdrivers, other common tools etc?

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 09:58

Worst case scenario you can't get the pads in how undrivable would the car be without a brake on a rear wheel?

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 10:38

bobuk said:
Dont forget to clamp the flexible brake pipe and open the bleed nipple to make it easier to push the piston back and stop any damage to the brake master cylinder.

So I'll have the bleed the brakes at the end also?

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 11:06

So final question, to torque or not to torque. So do you torque anything like calipers, caliper carrier, location bolt. I should say I will be replacing the disc also(rear).

Most things I read are not to bother with torquing, it would mean buying a torque wrench.

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 11:16

Heisenberg said:
Are you only replacing one side??

No will be doing both but I'll see how one side goes. I won't be driving until both sides are done properly.

I have unlimited breakdown so no problems.

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 12:26

Simon said:
Its a hydraulic system, you wont have any brakes! The piston will probably fall out of the caliper the first time you brake. Scary question to ask to be honest. So what about unlimited breakdown is just creating a risk to other drivers as you break down on the road.

Give it to a mechanic, he will have a torque wrench too.

I'll be fine I'm over exaggerating.

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 12:35

vanpeebles said:
Op arrives at work with bonnet covered in clothed washing lines and hens.

Or bodies.

jsmoke · 5 Aug 2020 at 15:26

Simon said:
Its a hydraulic system, you wont have any brakes! The piston will probably fall out of the caliper the first time you brake. Scary question to ask to be honest. So what about unlimited breakdown is just creating a risk to other drivers as you break down on the road.

Give it to a mechanic, he will have a torque wrench too.

I won't be driving until I'm 100% satisfied it's all done properly. I would never drive on 3 brakes I was curious if it was possible. I like to do my research first before I embark on anything.

I'll be buying a torque wrench.

jsmoke · 10 Aug 2020 at 11:00

Skiddley said:
Can you imagine the newspaper story if this guy ends up having an accident.

The headline.

'To torque or not to torque, the answer has been determined.'