Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

I am currently trying to replace the rear pads on my 87 with the 4 lug rims. I am having trouble putting the caliper back on the car because the piston won't depress so there is no room to fit the rotor between the pads. Is there a way to depress the piston? There is no pressure in the brake lines because the line is not currently hooked up.
Thanks a ton!
Justin

NZConvertible

You have to open the brake fluid reservoir and drain some of the fluid out to make enough room to move the pistons back into the callipers. Otherwise you’re just trying to pressurise a sealed system!

Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

The cap is open and the line is not attached. how easy should it be to move?

z-man

it might be the screw in type. when you try to depress it it actually screws in.

Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

I think your right, I just called up one of my friends who owns an rx7, he said the same thing.
Thanks guys!

z-man

no problem, i try to help in any way i can. good luck.

NZConvertible

Yep, probably the wind in type then. There should be some depressions in the face of the pistons that you can stick the jaws of a pair of needle nose pliers into to wind the piston back into the calliper.

SpeedRacer

Yep, the rear calipers are screw in type, and the front just press in. If you aren't able to turn the piston in its bore by using needle nose pliers, then its probably time to rebuild the rear-caliper. Thats what I ended up doing after replacing pads on my rear-caliper. Rebuild kit was $25.00 from Mazdatrix, and was very easy to do. There is a tool you can pick up at most auto-parts stores that is meant to assist you in screwing in and out the piston. Its just a cube that fits onto a 3/8" drive ratchet and it has ***** on each face of the cube. The ***** interlock with the notches in the piston. You probably won't need this tool though unless your calipers are so bad that they need rebuilding.