A lot of car owners and drivers have been reaching out to me to give them tips on how to push back brake pistons without tool. So in this article, I will be giving you a guide on how to do this easily.
Brake pistons are usually found in brake calipers. They are a vital part of the brake system of your vehicle. The brake pistons installed in your vehicle help the brake pads make contact with the brake discs, which slows the movement of your car.
These pistons can be made from either steel, rubber, or aluminum. Both fixed and floating brake calipers have pistons. Most new vehicles have about six pistons in a caliper.
When pressure is applied to the brake pedals in your vehicle, the master cylinder forces down brake fluid through the brake pipes to the brake caliper.
In the caliper, the brake piston then pushes the whole caliper back; this causes the brake pads and the disc to make contact. A lot of modern cars operate on disc brakes, which are a lot better and more effective than drum brakes.
Each time the brake pads come in contact with the rotating disc, it reduces the effectiveness of the pads; it then begins to wear off. The brake piston will have to compensate for this by coming out from the caliper.
Due to this, the brake pads will eventually need to be replaced with a new one. But at this point, replacing the brake pads might prove difficult because of the fully extended caliper piston. Therefore, the piston will have to be pushed back into the caliper.
Understand How the Brake Piston Works
Before you start pushing the piston back, it helps to know what the brake piston is and why you need to push it back. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid pushes the piston forward. This pushes the brake pad against the rotor and stops the car.
Over time, as the brake pads wear down, the piston moves out further to keep the pad close to the rotor. When you replace the brake pads with new ones, they are thicker, and the piston needs to be pushed back into the caliper so the new pads can fit.
If you do not push the piston back, the new pads will not go in, and the caliper will not fit over them. That is why it is very important to push the piston all the way back into its original position before installing new pads.
You also need to open the brake fluid reservoir cap before doing anything. This helps release pressure in the system and makes it easier to push the piston in. If you forget to do this, you will find it very hard to move the piston.
You can use many things around you instead of a brake tool. Even a simple flathead screwdriver or the handle of a wrench can help in the right situation. The main idea is to use steady pressure and take your time. Do not force it too hard all at once.
- Brake piston moves with brake fluid
- Needs to go back in when using new pads
- New pads are thicker than old ones
- Open brake fluid cap before pushing piston
- Use flathead screwdriver or similar strong item
- Do not use too much force at once
- Be patient and careful
Precautions Before Pushing Back the Brake Caliper Piston
Before attempting to push back the brake caliper piston, it’s essential to take the following precautions:
Jack Safety
Ensure the vehicle is securely supported by jack stands, and the parking brake is engaged. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Brake Fluid Management
Make sure the brake fluid level is at the recommended level to prevent air from entering the system. If necessary, top off the brake fluid reservoir.
Wear Protective Gear
Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask to protect yourself from brake dust and debris.
Consult the Repair Manual
Familiarize yourself with the specific procedures and recommendations for your vehicle’s repair manual.
How to push back the brake piston without a tool?
To push back the brake piston without a tool, you can use either one of four methods that include using a regular screwdriver, old channel lock, c-clamp, or smooth rod caulk gun.
These procedures can be easily followed, unlike the special tool that is needed to push back the piston.
#1. Regular Screwdriver Method.
Pushing back a brake piston with a regular screwdriver is an effective way of replacing brake pads on your vehicle. There are some steps that you need to follow for this method. Begin by locating the brake caliper.
It’s usually located behind the brake rotor and resembles a clamp. Then use a regular screwdriver to remove the caliper bolts that hold the caliper in place. Be sure to keep the bolts in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
With the caliper removed, you should see the brake piston. Inspect it to see if it’s dirty or has any rust buildup. Next, take the regular screwdriver and position the tip between the brake rotor’s edge and the outer brake pad.
Gently push back the brake piston by positioning the screwdriver’s handle against the caliper and turning it clockwise. Continue rotating the screwdriver until the piston is completely compressed.
After that, take your time to avoid pushing it too quickly, as this may damage the parking brake calipers or bleed brakes. Then, if you encounter resistance, try adjusting the position of the screwdriver.
It’s also a good idea to apply some lubricant to the screwdriver to prevent it from getting stuck. Once the piston is compressed, carefully remove the old brake pads, noting their position for ease in reinstallation.
Next, insert the new brake pads, making sure the clips are in place. After that, reinstall the brake caliper, tightening the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
Make sure you have the right tools, including a flathead screwdriver, before attempting the task. Be careful not to compress the brake piston too quickly or forcefully, as this may damage the caliper or brakes.
Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the screwdriver to make the process easier. If you’re having trouble pushing back the brake piston, consider seeking advice or expert help.
#2. Old Channel Lock Method.
You can push back the brake piston effectively using an old channel lock, which is a trick many DIY enthusiasts have been using for years. Here are a few steps that you need to follow on how to push back the brake caliper piston using an old channel lock.
First, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment for the job. Apart from the old channel lock, you will also need brake pad grease and a lug wrench.
Before you start pushing back the brake piston, ensure that you have the brake pads and caliper removed.
Clean the brake pad’s contact points using brake cleaner and apply brake pad grease evenly on the surface. This will ensure that the brake pads slide in and out easily.
After that, using the channel lock, grip the caliper piston at the back and turn it clockwise. Ensure that you have a firm grip on the caliper piston, as it is tightly fitted in the caliper bore.
Applying too much force or turning the piston counterclockwise may damage the caliper’s inner workings. Once you have your grip on the caliper piston, apply pressure using the channel lock’s leverage to push the piston back into the caliper.
You should hear a popping sound as the piston moves back into the caliper. Keep turning the piston clockwise until it is flush with the inside of the caliper.
After pushing the brake piston back using the old channel lock, you can replace the brake pads and reinstall the caliper. Ensure that the brake pads are installed correctly and that the caliper is securely installed.
Pushing back the brake piston using an old channel lock is a cost-effective and straightforward technique that you can use to replace your brake pads.
However, it is essential to take safety precautions when working on your vehicle’s brake system using this method. Ensure that your car is safely jack stands and that you wear the appropriate safety gear, such as hand gloves and safety glasses.
#3. C-Clamp Method.
One of the essential skills that you should learn is how to push back the brake piston using a C-clamp. The first step for this method is to acquire the necessary materials.
You will need a C-clamp, a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, and a new set of brake pads. For safety purposes, ensure that the vehicle is parked on a flat surface.
Also, make sure that the emergency brake is engaged. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them yet.
Next, locate the brake caliper. The caliper surrounds the brake rotor, and it has one or two pistons that push the brake pads against the rotor. Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen the small bolt at the top of the caliper.
Then, use the pliers to remove the retaining clip that holds the brake pads in place. Make sure to note the position of the clip, as it needs to go back in the same way. Now, remove the brake pads from the caliper using the pliers.
Inspect them for wear and damage. If they are worn down, cracked, or corroded, replace them with new ones.
Before installing the new pads, use the C-clamp to push the brake piston back into the caliper. Align the C-clamp so that the stationary end is behind the caliper and the screw is pressing against the brake pad.
Slowly turn the screw on the C-clamp clockwise until the brake piston is fully compressed into the caliper.
You can check the position of the piston by looking through the caliper opening. Once the piston is fully compressed, remove the C-clamp and fit the new brake pads into the caliper.
Make sure that the pads are sitting snugly and that the retaining clip is back in place. Finally, tighten the bolt at the top of the caliper and replace the lug nuts.
Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Test the drum brakes by pumping the brake pedal a few times before driving the vehicle.
So, you can see that following this method yourself can save you time and money compared to taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
#4. Smooth Rod Caulk Gun Method.
The conventional method of pushing back the rear brake piston involves the use of a C-clamp or brake piston tool. However, modern car models have brake pistons that can be pushed back with a rod caulking gun, which we have discussed below.
Before getting into the details on how to use a rod caulking gun to push brake pistons, it is vital to understand that safety measures should be taken before working on any part of the brake system.
Ensure you have the correct tools, use safety goggles and gloves, and disconnect the battery before commencing.
The first step is to remove the brake caliper of your vehicle carefully. The brake caliper holds the brake pads, and it is held together to the rotor by mounting bolts.
Once you remove the caliper, set it aside in a secure area. The next step is to remove the old brake pads, but before you do that, have a good look around.
Check if the boots are in good condition and if the caliper piston appears to be in perfect condition or not.
If you notice any problems, fix them first before moving on to press the piston. Now that you have removed the brake pads insert your new brake pads. This is where the rod caulking gun comes into play.
First, you need to choose the appropriate adapter that matches the diameter of your brake piston.
Secondly, thread the end of the caulking gun onto the adapter using the adapter screw. Ensure it’s intact and the gun sits correctly on the adapter. Then, take locking pliers to compress the piston.
You should be able to compress the caliper piston by tightening it with the adapter already in place. You may continue tightening until the caliper piston is fully compressed. This should provide enough space to fit the new brake pads.
Repeat the process on the opposite side of the car, and once you have compressed all the pistons, you can reassemble the brake caliper.
Pushing back brake pistons using a rod caulking gun can be an easy process when you have got the steps and the necessary tools at your fingertips as you have seen already.
By following the individual steps outlined here, one can replace their brake piston easily and safely, ensuring their car’s smooth running for miles to come.
How to push back the brake piston with a tool?
Pushing back brake pistons without a tool can be challenging at times. The mechanic or DIYer may even injure himself when pushing back the piston.
But with the appropriate tool, you avert the chances of getting injured and make the work much faster and easier. Here are simplified steps to rewind brake pistons with a tool.
- Lift the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
- Remove the tires on the wheels you intend to work on.
- Slack and remove the upper bolt holding the caliper to the caliper hanger. (You can also loosen the two bolts if you prefer it that way).
- Bar the upper side of the caliper out of the hanger until you have access to the piston.
- Open the brake reservoir cap and put a towel around it so fluid won’t pour on the surrounding components.
Now that you have positioned the caliper piston to push it back, get your caliper pushback tool kit. The tool usually contains two pushback tools and other fitments.
The reason for the two pushback tools is that all brake caliper pistons do not rewind in the same direction. Some rewind clockwise, while others rewind anti-clockwise.
The caliper piston tool kit features both tools so you can complete your work regardless of where your caliper piston rewinds to.
#1. Prepare the rewinding tool.
Open the caliper rewind kit and pick the circular plate that fits best for the piston you are working on. The circular plate has two notches or dots that fit into the hole on the caliper piston.
These dots or notches rewinds the piston as you turn the caliper rewind tool. The circular plates are best for back caliper pistons that need rewinding.
Note: Rewinding caliper pistons are different from pushback pistons.
Attach the circular plate to the rewind tool and loosen or tighten a tad so it fits appropriately within the caliper. Gently turn the rear lever until it snugs the caliper. However, you don’t need circular plates on a pushback piston.
#2. Rewind the piston.
Now, tighten the rewind tool by turning the handle until it compresses the caliper piston back to its place. At first, the handle may be difficult to turn, but it’ll become easier after rewinding or pushing it a few millimeters back.
#3. Install the pads.
Once the piston is fully retracted, or at least enough to let the new brake pads fit, install the pads and other brake system components you removed earlier, following the reverse procedure.
However, you should know that using ordinary simple tools like the plier or screwdriver to push back the piston, if not done carefully, can damage your vehicle’s piston or caliper. You might even sustain injuries in the process.
To save me from this, I quickly purchased the Lisle 25750 Dual Piston Brake Caliper Compressor on amazon, this tool can compress dual brake pistons in your vehicle for easy replacement.
I have been using this compressor tool for a while now, and it has helped me perform this process with ease plus, it is very handy. It also saved my money instead of buying the whole brake caliper tool for this purpose.
FAQs.
Q: How do you push a piston back without a clamp?
You can push back your vehicle’s brake piston with the aid of a screwdriver and an old brake pad. Carefully use the screwdriver to create a moderate gap between the brake piston and the brake pads.
When the gap is large enough, you need to use the screwdriver as a pry bar to slide the caliper back on the pins, then push back your vehicle’s brake piston all the way back in.
If the brake caliper is already detached from your vehicle, use a big pair of channel locks and your old brake pad to push the brake piston back into its housing.
Please, you need to be very careful as using this tool can damage brake parts of your vehicle’s brake system if used recklessly.
Q: Why won’t my caliper piston go back?
There are some of the probable causes that can make the caliper piston in your vehicle unable to retract:
#1. Worn-out caliper mounting bolts.
The caliper bolts have slides that require lubrication. It also has shielding boots made of rubber that keep the lubrication on the surface of the bolts for a long period.
But sometimes, when brake pads are being fixed, it causes the shielding boots to wear off as a result of the repairer’s manhandling. Hence, it can cause the caliper piston to not compress.
#2. Faulty pistons.
When applying pressure to the brake pedals, it causes slight deformity in the brake piston. Also, when the motorist take-off pressure from the pedal, the brakes uncoil and compress the pistons for a drag-free run.
Assuming the piston fails to sufficiently slide on the seals, the seal then prevents the brake piston from compressing.
#3. Inactive vehicle.
Not running your vehicle for a long period is considered one of the major causes of this problem. If your vehicle is inactive for a long period, it can cause the brake piston to rust.
This results in built-up corrosion on the caliper, which leads to your vehicle’s piston being unable to retract into its housing. This will also prevent the smooth running of your vehicle.
Q: How do you screw a caliper piston without a tool?
You need to have some simple tools if you are attempting a brake job. You will not be able to use your bare hands to screw the caliper piston due to the fact that the piston is threaded like a screw, so it will be difficult to screw it back with just your hands.
However, you use a screwdriver, a plier, a c-clamp, or a caliper piston compressor to successfully push back your vehicle’s brake piston.
Q: What do you do if your brake caliper won’t compress?
If your vehicle’s rear brake caliper piston won’t compress or the entire vehicle’s caliper piston, you need to address this issue right away.
It can cause brake failure, which is very dangerous for the driver and its passengers. You can adopt the following methods to help you fix this issue:
#1. Thoroughly clean the piston.
Completely remove debris and clean the brake dust or corrosion from the surface of the piston. This simple method can resolve this issue and prevent you from spending money on repairs.
#2. Regular Vehicle Maintenance.
Always make sure you refill your brake fluid and replace your brake pads on time as at when due.
Taking care of your vehicle’s brake system can, to a large extent, prevent caliper piston problems from occurring. Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s brake system also helps to increase its efficiency.
#3. Use the brake caliper rewind tool or special vice tool.
After trying all the possible methods, including trying to use the c-clamp to compress your vehicle’s brake piston and the issue remains unresolved.
You can try borrowing the brake caliper tool; this tool is specially designed to easily compress the caliper piston. Ensure the tool you use is the perfect size for your brake parts as they vary in size. Special vice tools can also help in this situation.
Q: Do I need to open the bleeder valve to compress the piston?
From an expert point of view, it is necessary to open the bleeder valve to compress the caliper piston. It is not advisable to compress your brake caliper without bleeding.
You should know that if you don’t open the bleeder valve, the brake fluid in the caliper will have a very high risk of getting contaminated.
Assuming you compress the caliper piston without opening the bleeder valve, you also put the ABS sensor at a high risk of getting damaged. I honestly do not think that this is a chance that anyone should take.
Final Words
The brake system is a very important part of your vehicle, so you need to run scheduled maintenance on your vehicle; this will reduce the risk of your vehicle’s brake system, developing any fault.
If you are still not sure of how to push back brake piston without tool, you can get back to us at any time and be sure of a response.