Brakes won't retract

I'm trying to swap out the pads and can't move the brake Pistons on the right side. How do I get them to retract. Left side went back fine

 

Take the calipers off and take some channelocks to them. Only way is to press them in

 

C-clamp and an old brake pad. Just squeeze them back into the caliper using the old pad as a piston pressing surface.

 

As @smmarine said use channel locks with the old pads, do put a wood shim between the caliper and the channel lock so you dont scrap the caliber, that's how we do it on bikes at my shop

 

Ok, I guess I'll be the first one to offer a caution here. If your piston(s) don't want to move, that's a very big hint that you have a frozen (or partially frozen) caliper. I'd be wary of slapping a new set of pads in where this condition exists because you might wipe out a new set of pads very quickly.

As has already been said, using an old brake pad and a carefully positioned C-Clamp should move the piston(s) easily. If it does not, it's time for a new or rebuilt caliper.

 

it is normal to need to use a mechanical press like c-clamp and old pad to push disc brake
pistons in.

 

Likely seized, even if you can force them back in, it's best to replace them. Many parts stores sell re-manufactured calipers. Change them in pairs.

I usually will crack the bleeder for one last effort with a bigger tool, but again, seized once, it will seize again.

 

Totally normal.....Look it up.

 

So I just did my brakes and you can use the vise grip or c clamp method. I noticed when I pushed one side all the way in the other would start to pop out. You have to balance the pistons on each side. Try the squeeze method mentioned on the side the needs to go in. See if the other side starts to pop out a little? ( normal ). If it won't move, it's prob seized.

 

Im in the same boat, couldnt push inside pistons in enough to get new pads over the rotor so i had rotors turned hoping it would be enough. Only one side fit after that so i put all back together with old pads . I bought the one clikc brake kit on Amazon( sorry cant link, ) just waiting to find a warm spot to put all on. I will post any probs after install but opened all boxes and it looks like right stuff,

 

A tool like this is worth every penny. This is a

$63 Lisle 29100 Quick Quad Pad Spreader

Lisle 29100, $45.00 at Amazon. It works on dual opposing pad calipers as well by just using one side or the other.

I use it all the time even on floating calipers. If you cannot push them in with a tool like this they may indeed be seized up...

 

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Love your over sig

 

I got it. I didn't have any of these tools, but I did have a crow bar that I bent up.

 

Been using the old brake pad +c clamp method my whole life

 

That can get awkward with fixed (opposing piston) calipers, as you press in one side and the other wants to pop out...

 

While this is true, in my experience once you break the seals suction grip on each piston they can be pushed back fairly easily.

I have to admit the tool mentioned here is cool but personally I think once you get good at the channel lock or clamp method this wouldn't be necessary, unless you are in a hurry, such as at a track day, but if you havent done this often and know you will be rushed to finish the brakes, please do them later, take your time and dont forget about that little piece that rolled across the shop cause you werent paying attention.

Also OP let us know when youve got the pistons retracted.
Edit, just saw that you got it, If your gonna work on your truck I would recommend getting some big ass channel locks, I use my 28 inch ones at least once a day, and get a good brand , such as channel lock.
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