Hi all.

rear brake pads need to be done shortly on my 997.2 non-S.

The rear calipers are closed on top so I will just remove the 2 caliper bolts and then pull the caliper off of the rotor (with pads in place). The rotors now have an outer edge due to wear and therefore I will need to spread apart the pads a bit to clear that edge. What is the trick to get that done without doing any damage to the caliper pistons???

Thanks.

Regards,
CF

 

You have to push in the caliper pistons any time you put new pads on, because the new pads are thicker than the old pads.

I've done it a couple different ways. You can use an adjustable clamp that has rubber pads on the jaws. Put one jaw on the pad, put the other on the outside of the caliper (the rubber protects the caliper), and tighten the clamp. The pad and pistons will get squeezed back into the caliper. Or, I've taken a piece of wood and put it between the pads, and levered the pads in.

Have the cap off of the brake fluid reservoir when you do this. Make sure no brake fluid comes out the reservoir, because as you push in the pistons, the level of fluid in the reservoir will rise. (I just remove a little fluid first and wrap a towel around the reservoir.)

Also, when you push in the pistons on one pad, the pistons on the other side of the caliper may push out a little. You can keep one pad clamped while you clamp and push the other side's pistons in.
It's easier to do than to explain. It's easy. I've never regetted changing my own pads.

Last note. Rotors may or may not have to be replaced, depending on wear.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I have the tool to push the pistons back in once the caliper is off.

My problem is getting the caliper off the rotor in the first place. Again, the caliper design is one piece and closed top. So you must pull it off the rotor with pads still in place. With a worn rotor you will get caught on the outer edge/groove that is present on worn rotors.

Anyone done a 997.2 yet?