Four Ways to Collapse a Caliper Piston

In this video I'll show you how to collapse/ compress a caliper piston using four different methods. I wanted to make this video to help the person that doesn't have, and may not be able to afford, the proper tools for the job. These methods work in a pinch.

The first two methods are great if you don't have the proper tools to do the job. However, the tools used are not the "proper tools" and may get the job done but not without complications. Using a pry bar or screw driver places force on one side of the piston when collapsing the caliper causing it to cock to one side. It is my opinion that this "possibly" may cause complications such as a stuck caliper piston after service. I'm not saying this will be the case 100% of the time but it seems to me that doing it this way isn't the best. Also, if your pads are equipped with electrical sensors I would not suggest using this method at all. The second method is a better way to collapse the piston but still does not provide the direct and uniform inward pressure that i prefer. Use the first two methods at your own risk. I prefer the later two methods as they apply pressure uniformly to the piston directly inward without causing the piston to cock in the piston bore.

If your caliper pistons are made of phenolic material you could damage and crack the piston by prying on it. I would not recommend using a pry bar or screwdriver directly to the piston if it is phenolic. I prefer and recommend using the later two methods of collapsing the caliper piston. These two methods place pressure directly to the piston and presses the piston in uniformly.

Note: When collapsing the piston have the bleeder screw open to allow the old brake fluid to escape. (use a catch pan to catch the fluid). Keep the bleeder screw at the upward most position and do not tilt the caliper while the bleeder screw is open. Doing this could allow air to be introduced into the brake system and cause your brakes not to operate correctly. Close bleeder when done.

Note: One reason you will need to collapse brake calipers is to make room for new pads. When collapsing the piston using the existing brake pad as something to pry on you may damage the pad a bit. Only use old brake pads to collapse calipers using these methods.

Note: After the job is done be sure to press your brake pedal several times until the pedal is hard. Do this before placing the vehicle in drive as it will take some time to get the piston to travel back out to make contact with the pads to stop the vehicle. If this is not done, personal injury or property damage may occur.

Also, If the pedal does not get firm after pumping the pedal several times then you may have gotten air into the system and the brakes will need to be bleed until the problem is taken care of.

Here is a link to the video showing how to collapse a twist in style caliper used on rear brakes....Calipers equipped with integrated parking brakes will not collapse using conventional methods. Watch the video below for more info.

Please reference your repair manual for any additional information and cautionary information pertaining to performing a brake job on your vehicle.

Discloser: As an Amazon affiliate I earn commissions of qualifying purchases.

DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. You can do it. Do it right and do it safely.

Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guaranty a proper repair using these techniques.

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[jaydimes]

I’ve been trying to compress my brake piston for about two hours and I watched about 10 videos and I finally came to your video and it finally helped thank you you’re a lifesaver

[erickatz]

As others have said, I've watched numerous other YT videos on changing brakes, but never understood what they did to pry the brake pads apart with a pry bar or screwdriver. I always replace with new calipers, so I'm not worried about damaging what's coming out. This is an excellent, concise, and clearly narrated video. Thanks!

[applejacks]

I know these methods will work because he's doing it outside, at night, with a trouble light...just like I work on my stuff. These are the video's YT are meant for. Good stuff!

[xserwolfx]

Bro literally you showing me me where the fluid release was at the beginning of the video was literally all I needed I've been trying to change these brakes fo 3 days thank you so much

[JJK-leyj]

Back in the 80's, I was taught to compress the pistons with a clamp or pliers without opening the bleeders, but it makes complete sense to open them, especially on cars with an HCU.

It's crazy how many professional mechanics on you tube still dont open them, saying its not required.

Thanks for the video!

[alexrobert]

I ended up putting my wheel back cuz nobody is talking about the valve and about how you should push your piston back, they just talk about "changing the pads" . Great work man, keep us informed ! I want to see how to change the dashboard, gearnut and steering wheel . Ty !

[leeharold]

Concise, articulate and to the point with no unnecessary chatter or idiotic music. Thanks

[droushpc]

Thank you! I got in that stage and didn't had the tool. Tried method 1 and worked right away! You are great sir!

[AzilRaziel]

Lost about an hour trying other methods from other videos. Saw method two from this video and I was done in 10 seconds. Thank you for this newfound knowledge.

[turkey]

Bought a bronco 2 That had been sitting for 12 years! Rotors all rusted up calilpher piston fully out! Used the screwdriver pushing Inwards on the rotor enough to put the Screwdriver between the brake pad and the piston! Push the piston fully inwards, your method worked thanks a lot!

[drewodessa]

A 6" steel C-Clamp. Bleed the brake or dont. Clear fluid then tighten. Finish depressing the piston. Ref: 2006 Toyota Corolla. Great video. Always best to have options.

[RazavilleTexas]

less than 4 min video with multiple ways of solving the issue? good job man!

[superharmonic]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m changing my brakes for the first time. Thanks.

[nanolathe]

tried the screwdriver method just to know if it would work in a pinch, and it did work. tho i wouldnt recommend it if you have another option as you can damage your rotor and brake pads.
i used the channel lock pliers method and it worked like a charm. cleaned everything up and regreased the slide bolts and its working great! i have dual caliper pistons and i took them from being stuck to compressed and fully functional in about 10 mins no problem. great video and tips!

[articcolds]

So glad someone on here did the versions correctly!! To many different ways and some will wreck brake hose or yourself. The screwdriver pry is my favorite to use

[lars]

Method 1 saved me after hours of stress and struggle!! Went way better than I expected and it even worked with my dual piston calipers! Thanks!

[famus]

So Helpful ! I was stranded doing my brake pads and your video helped so much

[thebeachguy]

I have been usng channel locks for 20 years to change my pads. Good vid man. Save people alot of money doing pads yourself

[yoboyvadimm]

Wow! Thank you so much man! I bought new brake pads and while putting them on I noticed they were too thick, I started worrying I bought the wrong ones. I watched about 5 videos until I came across this one! Thank you so much! I got them on and they’re perfect

[shing]

If my piston retracts all the way but comes back out just a little what issue would be causing that?