I know it's overdone

[Siccnes]

buuuuutttt..I went to change my rear brake pads on an 06 mazda 3. i did the usually c clamp thing but then noticed it wasn't budging. Come to find out, you're supposed to turn it with a special tool. So I went to get the tool..of course it doesn't fit. So I went about using needle nose to turn the thing in. Nothing. Turnin for half an hour, nothing. So I try the other way and it appears to push the caliper further out. So I'm like, screw this, I'll just put it back on and take it to the shop. But now, the caliper won't even fit over the old brake pads. Could the c clamping action ruined threads and explain why it will only come off and not back on or am I simply missing something? BTW, I'm a delivery driver, sooo I kind of need my car, quick responses would be much appreciated.

 

[B1GHAM]

IIRC the calipers are push+turn style... so you have to have both actions for the piston to move back..


unfortunately, once you remove the piston from against the pad & rotor, there is no chance of getting it back on without moveing the piston.

 

[Siccnes]

Yeah, I saw that some had to use vice grips on here, which I tried, to no avail. Real question being, are there threads to ruin by applying a vice grip? Or is there a good way to go about it, I don't want to totally take the caliper off to get a good angle or position so that I can twist and turn. There must be an easy way to do it, I mean..brake shops do it..mazda does it, what's the trick, should I really have to apply this much pressure to get the thing to go in while turning?

 

[clos561]

i saw my dad do this to his trucks and he clamps the piston that pushes the pad out to be able to put it on again. i cant remember exactly but he clamped it and then adjsuted the clamp and did it untill the rod was inside

 

[Siccnes]

yeah, I've changed brakes before and usually you apply a c clamp to 'em and they easily collapse, but apparently those with four wheel disc brakes are a little more complicated. Pain in the ass if you ask me, but necessary evil maybe??

 

[clos561]

apply the clamp and pump the brake a bit...i think i did that with him too......i think it was me holding the brake down and him clamping it away...of course this will be diferent but try some of these combos.....you probably have to jsut push it really hard..

 

[Siccnes]

Just sucks that I'm stuck here at work while my car sits at my parents house missing a brake. I plan to go back after work and mess with it till it work. changing brakes shouldn't be this hard. *shrugs* live and learn. (bang)

 

[Rotus8]

I know it's a little late for this, but this is what you need:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40732
Get one for next time.

 

[onikaze]

The rear caliper on a Mazda 3 are a ratcheting piston type if i remember correctly. The tool Rotus linked is the best way to go but if you need a fast and dirty way go to a locate autoparts store and they may have this is stock.

You will have to push as you turn using a ratchet and extension. Works great just requires a lil patience. good luck.

 

[Siccnes]

Yeah I tried one of those little cubes, not a single side fit my piston though. I just can't wait to get home and mess with it some more. i hate leaving things undone especially when it comes to my car.

As far as that tool kit goes, I'll probably get one just cuz it looks cool and is almost as cheap as one of those stupid cubes. Thanks