# How to retract piston on rear caliper **URL:** \ **Category:** SON240sx Automotive\ **Created:** [September 25, 2006, 7:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221 "2006-09-25T07:46:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rmallari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/898d66/32.png) [@rmallari](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rmallari)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 7:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/1 "2006-09-25T07:46:42Z")
hi, i’m having trouble retracting the piston on my left rear caliper. i used needle nose pliers to turn them clockwise but its still not retracting, my right rear caliper was able to retract when turned clockwise. any suggestions? thanks. ![http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n107/rmallari/pistonretract.jpg](http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n107/rmallari/pistonretract.jpg)[/img] ---
**Author:** ![duckJAI](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/duckjai/32/5553_2.png) [@duckJAI](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/duckJAI)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 8:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/2 "2006-09-25T08:15:44Z")
use vise grips, they help the best. if it doesn’t turn, they are seized. ---
**Author:** ![cgguy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cgguy/32/5508_2.png) [@cgguy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cgguy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 8:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/3 "2006-09-25T08:19:31Z")
The piston might be fouled with rust. If it wont go back in take it out and see if it needs replacing. Turn it counter-clockwise untill it comes out and see what it looks like. You are not “supposed” to clean rusted pistons but I’ve done it numerous times in the past with a bit of brake fluid and a wire brush followed up with fine grit paper. If you aren’t a cheap ass like me get yourself a new one …or a used one from somebody on the board. Also, if you do replace it make sure to keep the adjusting nut and ring seals from the old one. and fyi, putting the rubber dust seal back in can be a pain in the ass. ---
**Author:** ![roast](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/roast/32/5498_2.png) [@roast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/roast)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 9:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/4 "2006-09-25T09:05:12Z")
> [@cgguy](#): > > The piston might be fouled with rust. If it wont go back in take it out and see if it needs replacing. > > Turn it counter-clockwise untill it comes out and see what it looks like. You are not “supposed” to clean rusted pistons but I’ve done it numerous times in the past with a bit of brake fluid and a wire brush followed up with fine grit paper. If you aren’t a cheap ass like me get yourself a new one …or a used one from somebody on the board. > > Also, if you do replace it make sure to keep the adjusting nut and ring seals from the old one. and fyi, putting the rubber dust seal back in can be a pain in the ass. First try to push the caliper in while turning the piston. ---
**Author:** ![JamesS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@JamesS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JamesS)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 9:20am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/5 "2006-09-25T09:20:01Z")
I have a caliper tool I got from Princess Auto…allows it to fit right on the end of the piston and put a 3/4 wratchet on the end and can easily push at turn. I recently replaced one of the piston boots on mine. Took some digging but my local part source got the boot for approx 25 dollars. Kinda pricey but it beats buying rebuilt calipers. ---
**Author:** ![tosh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/58956e/32.png) [@tosh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tosh)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 9:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/6 "2006-09-25T09:33:20Z")
you could also try a really big Chanel Lock if you got one. but if you have to go and buy a tool, might as well buy the caliper tool. peace ---
**Author:** ![Luis240sx](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luis240sx/32/5530_2.png) [@Luis240sx](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Luis240sx)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 11:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/7 "2006-09-25T11:35:23Z")
> [@JamesS](#): > > I have a caliper tool I got from Princess Auto…allows it to fit right on the end of the piston and put a 3/4 wratchet on the end and can easily push at turn. I recently replaced one of the piston boots on mine. Took some digging but my local part source got the boot for approx 25 dollars. Kinda pricey but it beats buying rebuilt calipers. i suggest the caliper tool from princess auto works very well ---
**Author:** ![ziptied](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ziptied/32/5509_2.png) [@ziptied](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ziptied)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 12:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/8 "2006-09-25T12:01:11Z")
the same thing happen to me recently and what me and my buddy did was released some brake fluid from the bleeder screw on the caliper and than turn it. It work! I’m guessing there was too much pressure on the caliper and since the brake pads were so low, the piston came out from the grooves. ---
**Author:** ![Pants](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pants/32/5590_2.png) [@Pants](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pants)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 3:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/9 "2006-09-25T15:23:55Z")
you have to buy a special tool, its a little cube and its used to turn the piston ---
**Author:** ![big-byrd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/big-byrd/32/3192_2.png) [@big-byrd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/big-byrd)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 4:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/10 "2006-09-25T16:59:18Z")
> [@willX](#): > > the same thing happen to me recently and what me and my buddy did was released some brake fluid from the bleeder screw on the caliper and than turn it. It work! I’m guessing there was too much pressure on the caliper and since the brake pads were so low, the piston came out from the grooves. x2. had the same problem on the rear brakes on a mazda3. that method worked after much cursing. ---
**Author:** ![grimace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3e96dc/32.png) [@grimace](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/grimace)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 7:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/11 "2006-09-25T19:16:42Z")
you can actually rent that tool over at partsource, you just have to leave a deposit. I think they allow you to keep it for 3 days before you return it, but not sure if its the same policy for all parts source. I rented it over at brimley and sheppard. ---
**Author:** ![logik23](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/logik23/32/5548_2.png) [@logik23](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/logik23)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 7:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/12 "2006-09-25T19:21:31Z")
Canadian Tire also rents tools, you pay the full amount of the tool then return it and they refund you the money. ---
**Author:** ![Zeta\_G](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zeta_g/32/5558_2.png) [@Zeta\_G](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Zeta_G)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 8:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/13 "2006-09-25T20:59:09Z")
> [@big-byrd](#): > > [quote=willX]the same thing happen to me recently and what me and my buddy did was released some brake fluid from the bleeder screw on the caliper and than turn it. It work! I’m guessing there was too much pressure on the caliper and since the brake pads were so low, the piston came out from the grooves. x2. had the same problem on the rear brakes on a mazda3. that method worked after much cursing.[/quote] actually theres a set screw behind the caliper on most mazda rear calipers that makes the job so much ezier… oyea use a small screw driver to peel up the rubber boot from the edge and spray some wd40 in it and a vicegrip should do the job… ---
**Author:** ![duckJAI](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/duckjai/32/5553_2.png) [@duckJAI](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/duckJAI)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2006, 9:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/14 "2006-09-25T21:03:13Z")
> [@JamesS](#): > > I have a caliper tool I got from Princess Auto…allows it to fit right on the end of the piston and put a 3/4 wratchet on the end and can easily push at turn. I recently replaced one of the piston boots on mine. Took some digging but my local part source got the boot for approx 25 dollars. Kinda pricey but it beats buying rebuilt calipers. are you sure? i paid $80 dollars for BOTH my rear calipers REBUILT. u just have to search around dude. ---
**Author:** ![JamesS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@JamesS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JamesS)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2006, 10:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/15 "2006-09-26T10:05:33Z")
> [@overb0ost](#): > > [quote=JamesS]I have a caliper tool I got from Princess Auto…allows it to fit right on the end of the piston and put a 3/4 wratchet on the end and can easily push at turn. I recently replaced one of the piston boots on mine. Took some digging but my local part source got the boot for approx 25 dollars. Kinda pricey but it beats buying rebuilt calipers. are you sure? i paid $80 dollars for BOTH my rear calipers REBUILT. u just have to search around dude.[/quote] I searched around dude, I didnt find any. It just depends on how quick you need it. ---
**Author:** ![240coupe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/e495f1/32.png) [@240coupe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/240coupe)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2006, 12:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/16 "2006-09-26T12:48:10Z")
get a big clamp ,position it on the piston open the bleeder valve and turn the clamp ---
**Author:** ![roast](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/roast/32/5498_2.png) [@roast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/roast)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2006, 3:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/how-to-retract-piston-on-rear-caliper/100221/17 "2006-09-26T15:03:11Z")
> [@JamesS](#): > > [quote=overb0ost][quote=JamesS]I have a caliper tool I got from Princess Auto…allows it to fit right on the end of the piston and put a 3/4 wratchet on the end and can easily push at turn. I recently replaced one of the piston boots on mine. Took some digging but my local part source got the boot for approx 25 dollars. Kinda pricey but it beats buying rebuilt calipers. are you sure? i paid $80 dollars for BOTH my rear calipers REBUILT. u just have to search around dude.[/quote] I searched around dude, I didnt find any. It just depends on how quick you need it.[/quote] I have a left/right rear caliper rebuild kit from Nissan (no pistons) for $110 if anyone is interested.