How do ya push the pistons back in the 4 piston sumitomo's?

[TUFFTR]

Never done this before....and I've just had the calipers painted....what tool is used to push the 4 pistons back? is there a tool which pushes them back from the middle outward? Just really don't wanna scratch the paint on the calipers :(

Just haven't seen how to do it and even if someone can direct me to a link or another website with a how to or something that'd be tops.
Thanks Lads.

[gltasn]

theres a $10. tool for that at the help section of any auto parts store. or use a c clamp and a wood spacer.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdbrak07.html

[DrGonzo]

I just bolt them on to the hub, loosen the bleeder screw and pry the caliper back with a long screwdriver. Make sure you have some type of hose/bottle connected to the bleeder screw to catch the brake fluid "it will eat your paint off" and only pry on the metal part of the piston. You don't want to damage the bust boot on the caliper. I've done it this way every time I have changed out the brake pads/rotors.

[HLxDrummer]

I just cleaned the bores and outside of the piston REALLY well. Then put some new brake fluid on them and put them in one by one, making sure they go in straight. If it sticks, take it out, lube it up again/clean if needed. I wouldn't use any tools unless your CONFIDENT that it's going in straight and perfectly clean.

[GTOJOE]

If you have loosened the bleeder valve and they are still hard to move then it's possible you need a rebuild kit. They should move quite easily when the valve is open. Alternatively if you can't find a rebuild kit disassemble then very carefully making sure not to damage any of the rubber. Get some very fine wet & dry paper and clean them up. Make sure both the piston and the caliper are perfectly smooth and re-assemble. However getting the pistons out can be a little hard sometimes.

[TUFFTR]

I think I might invest in due time in a rebuild kit. I'm confident in rebuilding the calipers so I might just do that but appreciate the thoughts on how to push them back. Didnt get a chance to today but I'll try the long screwdriver trick tomorrow.

[GTOX]

I used an old crappy c clamp to compress them back in, with an old brake pad against the pistons and a block of wood against the outer caliper protecting the paint from the clamp. Worked fine with the bleeder screw open.

Similar to the method in this write up:
http://www.supercar-engineering.com/rubberducky/3S/Maint/All/BPad/index.html

[TUFFTR]

Sweet link! Ah so the G clamp will fit in there....
Fark me dead thought it'd be too big.
GAH I'll give that a shot..

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

I use a C clamp (vice grip brand) it works really well.

[KeithMac]

I use circlip pliers at work, push 2 pistons in at the same time. As has been said if you`ve got them off the car (no fluid inside) they should push back in with your fingers.

[speedy25]

I'm a little late to this thread but installing pistons in a clean caliper should be able to be done with FINGERS ONLY! No clamps or tools needed. If you do use tools you may risk damaging the pistons or the caliper bore. DO use some brake fluid to lube the piston and seal when assembling. There is also a caliper rebuild lube out there but I have not ever seen any on auto parts store shelves.

-SP

[KeithMac]

A light coating of rubber grease works wonders.

[speedy25]

I have no idea what "rubber grease" is but NO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS can intermix with brake components.

-SP

[speedy25]

I have no idea what "rubber grease" is but NO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS can intermix with brake components.

-SP

[GTOJOE]

It's not rubber grease it's called caliper slide grease or something like that.

[speedy25]

Caliper slide grease goes on hardware.

-SP

[GTOJOE]

Caliper slide grease goes on hardware.

-SP

True but I have seen mechanics use a light smear of it on the piston when pushing back in after servicing...... maybe you shouldn't do that hahaha.

[TUFFTR]

G clamp worked a treat guys.
I mean I used to do it with a G clamp all the time on my twin and single piston brakes but I think I overthought the process this time and didnt think of using the clamp again.
Pistons went back in without a hassle at all.
Hubs are coming next week and I should, well AFAIK, have the first 2nd gen magna with 3000GT VR4 brakes on it!

[heptone182]

I just broke down my front TT calipers yesterday and used the long screwdriver method for pulling them out. worked like a charm. I'm getting them powder coated right now and should be reassembling them this weekend. I'm gonna try to re-insert the pistons by hand... I'll report the results as soon as i get them back.