I'm trying to put new pads and rotors on my '79 Wagon. I'm trying to get the Caliper piston to retract all the way so I can fit it back on. Any tips or tricks to get it to go in? I'm about to pound my head into the wall...

You have to screw the piston back into the caliper. Some people use pliers, others buy the small, box like tool available at most auto stores.

 

You must screw clockwise while pushing down on the piston. Bleeder valve might need to be loosened too.

You can just loosen the top to the brake fluid reservoir too , but the bleeder will make it a little quicker. If you are going long term with this car get the box style tool for cheap.

You need a brake caliper tool, you can borrow one from auto zone no cost.

 

It's a tool that screws the brake piston down, then you can proceed with the pads.

So I was helping sam with this last night.  We were using a clamp to try and force the piston back down with both the bleader and the brake line disconnected and couldn't get it to budge.  

 

Are you saying that the piston actually "screws" in?   Because thats probably what we were doing wrong

Yep must be screwed in clockwise. You can damage the handbrake mechanism if you are trying to clamp it with force. The front mounted handbrake is the reason you have to screw the piston back into the caliper.

 

Search for 'brake piston tool' on Google images and you will see the small cube shaped tool that can be used for this purpose.

I borrowed a brake caliper tool set from the auto parts store and it made this job a breeze! Pedal still feels kinda spongy, so I should probably just flush em all out..

I had success screwing it in with a spanner wrench for my grinder. -- Mine is/was bendix type.

Edited September 24, 201411 yr by lvsarge

Just did this on my brat. Heres the tool. Just put it on a 3/8" ratchet and crank down

http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wheel-disc-brake-piston-tool-68972.html