can not get rear brake caliper pistons to compress

**A4OrlandoB6** · 08-05-2009 12:27 PM

Im installing 245mm rotors in the rear, and can NOT get the piston to compress. I got a tool that was said would do the job, but no matter how many times i rotate it, the piston does not compress. i have the reservoir cap off. im screwing the piston clockwise, while pushing in. i have searched and am running out of time!!! please please help

TIA

the tool (im convinced that it is not the right one)

the

**rxrep** · 08-05-2009 12:32 PM

If the tool doesn't turn the pistons as it pushes, it won't work. A standard tool doesn't cut it. The pistons don't get pushed straight in. They have to rotate as they go in, like a bolt in to a nut.

Is that a lift in your garage? You have a lift but not the right tool? I'll trade the right tool for your lift.

**dubbin.t.rex** · 08-05-2009 12:33 PM

When I did the rears on my b5 I had a hard time with tool too. I had to use a c clamp to get it tight enough to slide back on, good luck!

**Enjoi** · 08-05-2009 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by rxrep

If the tool doesn't turn the pistons as it pushes, it won't work. A standard tool doesn't cut it. The pistons don't get pushed straight in. They have to rotate as they go in, like a bolt in to a nut.

Is that a lift in your garage? You have a lift but not the right tool? I'll trade the right tool for your lift.

My boyfriend has a lift, he mainly uses it for storage. He doesn't have the caliper tool either, just rent it from Autozone.

**A4OrlandoB6** · 08-05-2009 12:38 PM

Is that a lift in your garage? You have a lift but not the right tool? I'll trade the right tool for your lift.

yeah sucks being 18, driving an audi, and missing a tool. with my car on a lift on my garage, not spending the money on labor. ;)

its not a standard tool. the notches fit into the grooves on the piston, they turn the piston, but the piston does not retract. better?

**pondside36** · 08-05-2009 12:38 PM

That tool will work but not easily, the one from ECS (Shwaben) work great for me. I think you can get cheaper at harbor frieght. It is clamp style the pushes while it turn. I also found it worked the best with caliper bolted up in place.

**pondside36** · 08-05-2009 12:41 PM

You'll need to put good force on the back of the tool while you turn the piston.

**A4OrlandoB6** · 08-05-2009 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Enjoi

My boyfriend has a lift, he mainly uses it for storage. He doesn't have the caliper tool either, just rent it from Autozone.

Exactly for storage, 4 car garage and 7 cars. lifes a bi***

**7speed** · 08-05-2009 12:45 PM

4 car garage wtf do live ?

Oh and you have to push the piston in as you turn it

**rxrep** · 08-05-2009 12:45 PM

sorry. didn't read your first post fully. turning isn't all that needs done. if it isn't being compressed as it turns, like c-clamp style, you won't get it to work.

**ScottA4** · 08-05-2009 12:49 PM

use that same tool with a C-clamp. while that tools is turning it. tighten the c clamp. Helps to have an extra set of hands though.

**A4OrlandoB6** · 08-05-2009 12:50 PM

going to napa to return this useless tool. autozone says they have what i need for a $55 deposit.

7speed-lake forest in sanford, just north of orlando

thank you thank you thank you for help.

**7speed** · 08-05-2009 12:52 PM

I used needle nosed pliers turned and pushed the first timet that I did my rear brakes, quick and easy.

**rxrep** · 08-05-2009 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by 7speed

I used needle nosed pliers turned and pushed the first timet that I did my rear brakes, quick and easy.

you're not the only one, lol. my tool was another screwed up ECS order and I couldn't wait another day, so I improvised.
The tool makes it much easier.

Oh, and like it was said, you should do it with th caliper on the carrier if possible. It can be tough to torque the turning of the piston if the caliper isn't solidly attached.