brakes and calipers

[string]

I've just changed my front discs to the ATE power discs for which I took off the calipers. I am alos changing the brake pads and wear sensor. When I took the pads out of the drivers side caliper the caliper has opened up or expanded. Is it just a case of using a clamp to push the caliper back into position? Will I need the bleed the afterwards? The calipers are intact I've suspended them while I worked on the disc.

Cheers

[thebigone]

IMHO no take off the cap to the fluid reservoir place a cloth around to collect any spillage, and gently push the pistons back in, if you are happy that the system has not got any leakage then go for a run.

[SPADGE]

Push the pistons back in before trying to fit the calipers back on with the new pads.
You may have to remove a little brake fluid so keep an eye on the reservoir as the level will rise as you push the pistons in.
No need to bleed the system if you havn't removed any brake pipes or opened any bleed nipples allowing air into the system.
Spadge..

[Chris-W]

Suggest yu use an old pad to protect the piston from the clamp you use.

[string]

Ok thanks guys.
I take it it's quite easy to push the piston back in?
All I need now is a clamp!

Cheers

[fuzzy]

just open the fluid reservoir cap and press the piston in using the shaft of a hammer or similar.if your a bit on the weak side use a clamp to push the piston in

[Chris-W]

G-clamp or pipe grips are ideal, but then I'm quite weak.

[Brianmoooore]

You should always open the bleed nipple on the caliper before pushing the pistons back, and let the displaced fluid out.
Just pushing the pistons back forces all sorts of
crud back up the line, and has been known to damage seals on master cylinders and ABS units.
After finishing any brake work, always start the engine and give the pedal a good pump before moving the car. The first T junction you come to is not a good place to find out the brakes don't work.

[string]

Right got my self a clamp today. Took the lid off the reservoir,but can't shift the bugger !
I've opened the bleed valve just a bit to let out some excess fluid but still it won't budge!
Car's going in for it's MOT next Tuesday so I'm getting desperate.
If theres any body near Caerphilly who fancy's helping out a dumb F**ker like me please say!