I'm too stupid to change my brake pads - HELP
 

I have brembos and am changing my pads... I took the pins out, removed the old pads. But the callipers are compressed and I can't get both new pads in. How do you get the callipers to push out? I thought it would be relatively easy, but can't figure out a way, that doesn't look like it could damage something.

Anyway my car is up and I could really use some help. Thanks in advance!

Don't know about this model, but on previous cars I've just taken a lightweight C-clamp and compressed the pistons (watching for brake fluid to not overflow the reservoir and make a mess). Once you get them compressed, you can insert and install the new pads and reinstall the caliper.

Remeber not to put stress on the brake lines when you have the caliper dangling. I use a short piece of heavy wire (such as made from a wire coathanger) to hook the calipers up.

DON'T KNOW IF THIS METHOD WILL WORK ON THE Z - SO BE SURE AND CHECK WITH OTHERS.

Good luck.

WayneTN

I just happen to have a C-clamp... let me give that a try. With the Brembos you don't even have to remove the main unit with a loose bolt it can slide out about halfway.

Thanks alot

Don't the Brembo's have twin pistons? Looks like you would have to compress both of them at the same time someway. Make sure you don't damage things. Again, check with others if you're not sure.

Good luck.
Wayne

Well, I finshed puting the rears on, but didn't get to the fronts due to my poor planning. I did have an issue with expanding 1 side of the brake only to shrink the other.
Brembo / Multi-caliper people: how do you expand the whole system? I hear it takes just five minutes to swap them out, and I could totally believe that if it wern't for the effort of getting the new pads in.

Thanks for the advice Wayne

When I changed the rears on my performance model, I just presseld REAL F'N HARD with my thumbs on the first caliper to get the rear piston back in. It wasn't too bad but it did leave a mark (in my thumb that is).

So on my second caliper I stuck a small section of 2x4 in there to protect the pistion surface, and pushed on that with my whole hand. It worked OK.

Could you stick two thinner blocks in there, and then place a crowbar or screwdriver (not to be used as a prybar or chisel ;) ) between the two blocks and pry them apart, effectively compressing both pistions at the same time?

Not too sure what the access to the Brebo calipers is like, but if you can use leverage to your advantage it might make things easier.

Good luck!

-D'oh!

Glad I could help! It'll be easier next time!

WayneTN