Hi! My name is Danielle and I am new to the site. I've got a 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT that I LOVE! My boyfriend (who is the gearhead) and I were trying to replace the brake pads...a simple endevor you say...but we could not get the brake piston to compress. We released the pressure on brake system and still no go. In desperation we got a Chilton manual and it says there is a special tool to compress the piston. Does anyone know is this really necessary???? or is there something more going on?

 

Hi, and welcome.gif to the site!

As to answer your question....the rear caliper pistons do need a special tool to "crank" the pistons back in place. For this you'll need a brake socket (torx bits) to do so. You can get them at any Advanced Auto or Pep Boys, and usually cost around 5-10 bucks. When you remove the caliper and brake pads, you'll see in the center where the piston is, where you put the socket in, and twist to turn the piston back into the caliper. It might take some muscle to do it, but just keep cranking it until its all the way back in.

As for the front, no special tools are needed, other than maybe a C-clamp. You have the same situation as the rear calipers, except theres no socket to insert into the piston. Just a regular C-clamp that you can turn on the piston to force it back into the caliper is really all that is needed. smile.gif


Hope this helps.

Also...here's a quick tutorial with pics on changing the front pads:
http://www.cockeyed.com/lessons/brakeshoes...keshoes01.shtml

Good luck. smile.gif

 

I'm back. tongue.gif You can use a vide-grip to put downward pressure on the piston, while using a pair of 90deg bend pilers to twist them back in. If the pad has been worn badly, the piston might be off of the worm thread hence needing a bit of help. Don't force it, let the thread take on its own.

 

*lol* Mechanix....I have a feeling she may not know exactly what a worm thread is. tongue.gif Might need to explain it better or show her a pic. wink.gif

 

I usually like to use the brake caliper tool that's square shaped that you put on a 3/8'' ratchet. Makes life so much easier.

 

Oh man you guys rock!!! Thank you so much we will try this!

 

Anytime. Thats why we're here. To help out. smile.gif


BTW....since you're a girl...you have access to the Bytch Factor forum. Check your Private Messages for information on how to get in. smile.gif

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Visionz @ Mar 17 2008, 05:02 PM) </div><div class='quotemain'>Anytime. Thats why we're here. To help out. smile.gif
BTW....since you're a girl...you have access to the Bytch Factor forum. Check your Private Messages for information on how to get in. smile.gif</div>
Sweet thanks...I will be doing a lot to this car over the years!