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How do you compress the cylinder on Ford Mustang rear brakes to allow you to get the pads installed?

Update:

Sandy, have you ever done this before. apparently the emergency brake is a factor which keeps the piston from being sqeezed shut with a c-clamp.

8 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It is actually called a piston and it twists in...clock-wise by the way, and if you need the "special tool" to twist it in, your calipers should be replaced. A long needle-nose pliers placed in the indentations should do the job just fine. Make sure you take the lid off the master cylinder when you push it in, if you want to blow brake fluid all over your engine compartment. And don't forget to line up one of the pistons indentations with the knob on the inboard pads when you install them.

    Source(s): ASE Certified Tech over 20 years
  • 1 decade ago

    if is a single piston caliper( I think it is).... your local auto parts store sells a "brake caliper piston compressor" or you can ask your grandpa for a 4-6" "C" clamp used in wood working. Place the stationary side of the clamp on the non-piston side of the caliper. The screw side goes into the caliper & SLOWLY --screw it in ( righty-tighty----lefty-lucy ) turn it right, depress the piston enough to install the pads & complete the install.........make sure you lube the slides!!!!!

  • 1 decade ago

    generally I open the bleeder valve on the caliper pry with steady pressure just enough to clear the rotor remove the caliper and use a caliper spreader to finish compressing the calipers. a c-clamp works well too using the old shoes to push evenly. I always open the petcock on the caliper and let it drain into a container when doing this and re-bleed the system after assembling the system. dot 3 brake fluid only

    Source(s): 20 year mechanic
  • 1 decade ago

    it is actually called an actuator and it twists in.....there is a special tool that will fit it and allow you to turn it in with a ratchet.......you can pick it up at most parts stores

    make sure you take the lid off the master cylinder when you push it in or you could blow the anti locks.......put the tool on the actuator piston and twist it while pushing in slighty and it should go right in for you!!!! good luck!!!

    Source(s): 15 yr tech
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  • kinnu
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    in case you've already checked the bulbs, i ought to say it is the turn on yer brake pedal. maximum mechanics will in easy terms value you about 25-30 funds to fix it. or you could order the area yerself and pa it in.

  • 1 decade ago

    you squeeze and thread it in while keeping a little pressure on from a c clamp or a channel locks. they do also sell a tool for doing such a job and makes it easy

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    C-clamp. Loosen and bleed the valves. Add fluid afterwards, re-bleed, add fluid. It's actually quite simple despite what others might say.

    Source(s): Carl and Manuel have the right idea. Sorry to be so simple w/ my answer...but it's really not that difficult.
  • 1 decade ago

    C-clamp.

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