firerock Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 I'm trying to do a front brake job on my 88 GL sedan, can't seem to get the calipers to depress, is there a special sequence or prceedure i'm missing or are my calipers junk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Front's have the parking brake, so must be turned in while pressing on the cylinder. Removing the bleeder screw helps sometimes I've noticed if they don't want to go in. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerFahrer Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 The 80's Soobs have the parking brakes in the front, built into the front calipers. Thusly, you need to TURN the pistons clockwise back into the calipers, you can't just push them straight in. You can actually damage them by doing so. You can turn them while depressing them with a pair of needlenose pliers, but that's not fun, lemme tell ya. Harbor Freight has a tool that works really well at turning the pistons while you compress them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrach Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Schuck's, B&B, and Napa all have the tool to engage the caliper and make it easier to screw them back into the caliper. I agree with Skip in that it helps to relieve the pressure by releasing the bleeder when you turn them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooziewhatsit Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 it also sometimes helps to take the caliper completely out of the car so you can get some good leverage on it while you turn it in. First time I did the brakes... took an 1-1.5 hours each side a half turn at a time to do them in using a combination big wrench/other tools. Second time with a drill, special tool, and calipers out of the car... 5 minutes per side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantonite Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Borrow the tool from AutoZone... no cost to you and saves a torn dust boot from nicking it with the needle nose pliars (personal experience). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firerock Posted February 16, 2006 Author Share Posted February 16, 2006 I'm trying to do a front brake job on my 88 GL sedan, can't seem to get the calipers to depress, is there a special sequence or prceedure i'm missing or are my calipers junk? thanks guys for the input. I was afraid to scratch the cylinder with pliers, worked great! now I will make me a tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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