I read how to change brake pads on DIY section, and I also looked up brake pad change videos on youtube, and I know how to do it.
My nissan mechanic told me that my z's rear pads are almost gone.
So I guess I have adjust my piston position. but I have no idea how far I have to move the piston in caliper. Should I have to press the piston in caliper all the way back with C-clamp? I have never done any brake job before. Please leave any comments on it.

 

Just as the picture shows, you have to compress it back to the point where the piston is at or below the level of the opening. The new pads plus the rotor just barely fit in the space available so if you don't fully retract the piston, you will had a hard time getting the caliper and pads back over the rotor.

 

Okay, yes just as the picture shows, but dont use the NEW Pads, use the old ones to clamp against! you dont wanna ruin your new pads by "C-clamping on them"

then the other end looks to be on the fitting! dont do that either...

C clams work just fine.......a wee bit awkward but just fine.......

I bought this guy from sears and its super easy and was about 10 bucks:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...d=brake+piston


*edit - okay i see that the picture is probably not your own pic as it has the "watermark" from the other site on it.....
but ya get what im saying right..

-J

 

Yeah, just as Dave said press it back to the housing. When you first press the brake it will re-adjust to the positionit needs to be. One thin gto note becareful with the clamp on the caliper. I don't think you hurt it but remember its only a casted piece of aluminum that will break if too much pressure is used.

Something like this is more user friendly... and reletively low cost.

 

Doh, Jason beat me to the post.

 

all good....great thread with great info for the novice DIY'er!

your post provides a 2nd line of reasoning to help those looking to do their installs!

-J

 

With those calipers, I usually let the C-clamp press against the bottom of the cup part of the piston. Of course, you can put a piece of wood across the piston as well as the old pad.