problems changing pads...HELP!

[Danimal86]

I am having a problem with the front calipers on my 94 explorer. the pads that were on there were starting to make the grinding noise, so i went and picked up a new set of pads. i removed the tire and caliper just fine, but when i went to put the new pads on, the cylinder on the caliper was pushed away from the caliper about an 1.5inches. usually i just take a big set of channel locks, and push the cylinder back in, but it wont go in, it feels like its stuck or something. i did the same technique on the other side, and the cylinder pressed in with no problems. HELP!!!!

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

uh oh. you may have pushed the piston all the way out of the caliper past the seal....and they dont like to go back together like that. if thats the case youll need to get the caliper rebuilt or replaced.

 

[boggs1227]

try a big C clamp and a old brake pad ...works a lot better than a channel lock .but i f memory serves me correctlly on the 94 models the abs system requires you to open the bleeder valve then push the piston back in .i did it the other way around and mentioned what i did on another post an got corrected for it . i think that when you push fluid back into the brake line / abs module it can screw it up .
derocha i think was the one that corrected me ( been a while ago for all of this so if i'm wrong ...sorry)

 

[patrick112390]

did you at least take the top off of the brake fluid reservoir so it wouldnt force the opposite piston out?

 

[Danimal86]

thanks for the advice....right after i posted it, i went back out and found a c clamp and it worked like a champ! i did take off the resivoir cap and put a rag around it just in case...thanks again!