Hi, Im new to this board and this is my first post. I just bought an 87 Iroc this week and am in the process of getting it ready for a safety check. Im putting new rear pads on and I cannot get the pistons in the rear calipers to compress so I can fit the new pads in. What am I doing wrong.

 

they need to be screwed/rotated back in. You need a tool for this thats available at most any auto parts store. Its a small cube with square holes and tabs all over it.

 

Specialty tools are usually more efficient, but other things may be
more cost effective. With some time/patience, and a big enough
C-clamp, I've always managed to get the caliper pistons recessed.
A big vice and some spacers/wood blocks/??? could also prove
successful.

The key is:
yes, the caliper pistons need to be recessed back
yes, it will take a modest amount of continuous force
no, do not be tempted to use any size hammer



Or
"Along will come a fool, bigger than the proof"

 

Thanks guys...I got er done. I just had to re-read my manual and noticed I miss a step.

 

Not very cost effective when it strips the self-adjuster screw. Rear calipers must be screwed in, not pressed.

 

I think the confusion is that the cast iron Delco calipers do the screw/thread trick. While the aluminum PBR calipers are the push back the piston design.

Note for other readers, this is referring to the rear calipers.

RBob.