Some cars I have worked on have rear disc brakes that require a special tool to compress the caliper(s). Just wondering if my 92 SE does? Thanks.

It helps but it is not neccesary. Needle nose pliers or vise grips will work. I just changed my rotors today and experimented with pliers. It works.

you dont just compress you take the needle nose pliers like Pervis Anathema said and push down and turn clockwise at the same time like your screwing something in. They make a tool that fits on a socket that makes it a little easier...you may can borrow one from the local parts store if they do tool loaning.

listen to awsm66. my local mechanic let me borrow it. It helps a lot and does a good job.

Be careful with the seals. Mine got twisted when I turned the piston. You have to go slow and straighten the seal as needed. It helps if you can lube the seal before you start.

I haven't done rear brakes on a Maxima, but on other rear disc cars, I've always used C-clamps, that way all you ahve to do is trun the camp handle to put on pressure, then turn the caliper piston with vise grips, crank clamp handle, turn piston, etc

too much work doing that...at least on a max or any other car I have done with rear disks. On the cars I have done it on you dont need much pressure so just using your hand and pliers or the tool and turn with a little pressure is fine.

I can see how that would work but its overkill on these cars to use the c clamp like that.

be careful using any kind of vise grips or pliers on teh edge of teh piston

you dont want to make any marks or scratches on the outside of the piston

I have always just used needle nose pliers in the grooves on the front of the piston and turned clockwise to compress the piston

or get one of those tools from pepboys; I think it's only about $5-10

be careful not to tear the piston boot too like someone else mentioned