Guys, I will be replacing the rotors and pads on my '04 Enthusiast Z (non-Brembo). I need to know if I need any special tools for putting the calipers back on...to push the pistons back in? Would I need the tool for all calipers or just the rear ones?

Here is a thread w/ step-by-step instructions I found, but it is specifically for the G35 so I am not sure it would apply directly to the Z.

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....r+caliper+tool


Any help would be appreciated. I have a buddy that used to work as a mechanic that will be helping, and he asked this question about the caliper (piston) tool. I am lost when it comes to car repair...but I'm learning.

 

Just a standard C clamp...

 

You sure? Even for the rear calipers? Not to question you, but the link I included above has some step-by-steps for the G35, and he indicated that he needed:

"OEM piston compressor kit (you can obtain it at AUTO ZONE with tool loaner program, make sure you get the Set that come in RED PLASTIC CASE)"

 

Oh you can use that if you want. I don't think its mandatory though...

 

Ok. Let me also get you opinion on this...

My plan is to paint calipers (w/ G2) this weekend, and then replace the rotors and pads next weekend. I am waiting on the rotors/pads because the pads won't arrive until Wednesday (I already have the rotors though).

My buddy is insisting that by painting first, that the calipers will be scraped up and the paint ruined when we try changing the rotors/pads after the painting (the following weekend).

 

Faust, when I did mine, I didn't even need a C-clamp. I just used a big flathead screwdriver. Stick it in the square hole in the caliper and put the flathead in the slot in middle of the rotor and pry the screwdriver SLOWLY towards you to push the piston back in. It was very simple...

As far as the painting, I would wait and do it all at one time. It would be alot easier, and if you have plenty of time to leave your car on a lift or stands, you can mount the calipers without the rotors, which makes the painting that much easier. This requires much longer than the 2hrs for the paint to dry enough to remount the rotors and wheels. Here's a couple of pics of the job I did a couple of weeks ago...

I did SS brake lines, rotors, and Hawk HPS pads, with a blue G2 kit

[IMG]http://img171.exs.cx/img171/4779/dsc012636km.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://img158.exs.cx/img158/4080/dsc012695ac.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://img158.exs.cx/img158/2070/dsc012738wy.jpg[IMG]

Damn curb rash on this wheel. Good thing my new rims will be in next week...

Good luck with your brake & paint job. Be sure to post some pics!

 

Obviously I ddin't link the pics correctly... Let me try this again.

 

Cool...nice job. Thanks for the tips, tlewis & mc350!

 

Yup, mine got all f'd that way. Paint them last.