Decompressing Rear Brake Calipers

STORMT497

MEMBER
BUICK PARK AVENUE

I'm changing the brakes on a 1998 Buick Park Avenue Ultra and I'm having trouble decompressing the rear calipers. I'm not sure what the mileage has to do with my problem but I have 97K miles and the engine size is 3.8 Liter. I have already changed the front brakes. How do I decompress the rear calipers?

7 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I believe those have a piston that get turned in as pressure is applied. Look for threads on the piston or a slot going through the center of the face of the piston. There is a special tool needed for that. Hopefuly it did't get damaged from forcing it.

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Thursday, July 5th, 2007 AT 3:08 PM

STORMT497

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5 POSTS

I noticed 2 notches on the piston but I did not see any treading. I didn't force the piston either. I got to the point where there is pressure and notice that the piston didn't move so I stopped and now I'm here looking for help. Thank You for your comment I'll look again.

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Thursday, July 5th, 2007 AT 3:23 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
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You need a spanner wrench to turn those calipers in, I was wrong on the description, but right on the tool.

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Thursday, July 5th, 2007 AT 4:40 PM

STORMT497

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5 POSTS

Thank You very much I'll look for the wrench. I'll let you know if that solves the problem.

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Thursday, July 5th, 2007 AT 10:07 PM

EDBEARD

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1 POST

You can rent a tool from AutoZone, or other auto parts stored just for that purpose. At AutoZone in Austin Texas, it rents for $29. You get your money back when you bring back the tool. If you don't bring it back then the $29 covers the cost of the tool.