Rear Brake Caliper Urgent Help

May 14, 2008

Hi all

Avensis 2001 1.8 VVTi auto

My elderly father arrived down here in France with noises from the rear brakes. Got the wheel and caliper off and the pads were completely knackered. Metal to Metal. Pads out. News ones arrived this morning BUT for the life of me I cannot retract the caliper piston.

Got the old G clamp on it but it just won't shift. Loosened the bleed nipple and fluid is dripping out but as far as I can see the piston has not moved.

Is there anything weird about the brakes on this car? Like does the piston have to twist in.

Any help would be much appreciated

May 14, 2008

Hi all
Avensis 2001 1.8 VVTi auto
My elderly father arrived down here in France with noises from the rear brakes. Got the wheel and caliper off and the pads were completely knackered. Metal to Metal. Pads out. News ones arrived this morning BUT for the life of me I cannot retract the caliper piston.
Got the old G clamp on it but it just won't shift. Loosened the bleed nipple and fluid is dripping out but as far as I can see the piston has not moved.
Is there anything weird about the brakes on this car? Like does the piston have to twist in.
Any help would be much appreciated

Just done mine, same year and model. retracted easily by the method you describe.

May 14, 2008

I'm flumoxed. Unless there is something weird going on. These are Akonda calipers. Just tried the one on the other side and that don't want to retract either.

WTF?

May 14, 2008

If the piston looks anything like the ones here ......

http://www.mr2turbo.info/pics/rearcaliper.html

Then they twist in. You can see the threads on the internal shaft. There is a special tool (which you probably won't be able to get in france).

This one works on toyotas

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LASER-BRAKE-CALIPER-...Q2em118Q2el1247

A pair of fine pliers can be used at a push to twist the piston. The final position need to be such that the recess marries up withe the raised stud on the new pads.

May 14, 2008

Thanks Gazza - they were twist in and it's a ***** of a job without the tool. Used needle nosed pliers and it took forever!!

All back together and the brakes seem to work fine although I didn't know about the lining up issue. I just twisted the pistion in as far as it would go and wne t from there. Done a test drive and no nasties so they seem OK.

I hope