Is the rear caliper cylinder frozen if I can't push it back in with a c-clamp? Should the cylinder move completely back into the housing on the rear with disc brakes? I see no fluid so dont want to replace it if I'm misdiagnosing. Is it hard to replace the caliper due to the parking brake cable?

 

The rear calipers needs to be twisted in order to have the piston in. The X shape is to twist it with a tool all the way in.

Make sure you twist it clockwise all the way. There is a procedure for the emergency brake cable adjustment.

It goes something like this:
Make sure you pump the brake to pressurize them.
Lift the two rear wheels, then pull the e-brake two clicks. adjust the cable so the wheels start to drag. They should be loos when the e-brake is down all the way.

If you can't do it, it indicates that the caliper piston is not touching the rotor. I would go and twist the piston back in again. If it simply doesn't work, then it could indicate a problem with the caliper or cable.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm assuming on a 4cyl front brakes the caliper cylinder is screwed in as well?

 

No. The front calipers are pushed in using C-Clamp. The rear are screw type.

 

You have to make sure the e-brake is down/disengaged before you get to the rear pads also. Just in case you aren't aware.

As for adjusting the e-brake, on at least some cars they suggest you loosen the e-brake cable first, then pump the brakes up (after pad change) and then after the pedal is firm (or as firm as normal) to adjust the e-brake so it drags slightly at 1 or 2 clicks.

 

if all else fails. you can use a c clamp and bleed the brake line. thats what i had to do. these cars are kind of a pain to get brake pads in the because the piston doesnt push in easily like other cars,

i put a half inch piece of metal between the c clamp the the piston which allowed me leverage to keep twisting the clamp.

hope this helps!!

 

My e brake would get stuck. I could engage the e brake with the handle, but when I let it down, it wouldn't disengage. I could move the handle up and down freely with no resistance. The e brake was basically stuck. I went under and noticed the rear calipers getting stuck. It has continued to do this and I will go under and do a write up about fixing it.

 

heres a trick... push the piston with the c clamp, then get a channel lock and spin the piston to the right while screwing in the c clamp until it goes in,,, carefull with the channel lock, dont torn the boot