All the links I have found are how to replace the front rotors and pads. I have also read the rear caliper is threaded and not a piston like the fronts.

Anyone have a link to changing rear pads and rotors on a 4th Gen Max as well as what tool I use with this threaded piston? Any other "important" differences? thanks!

 

for the rear piston
you need some needle nose pliers to "turn" the piston into the caliper.. it has 2 small groves on it to comfortably grip it with some needle nose pliers.. then just twist it into the caliper

in the front, you just need a C-clamp and simply push the piston into the caliper..

there aren't really any other differences..
also,
make sure to change your brake shims if they are in poor shape.. mine were kind of rusted up and very thin, crumpled right in my hands.. luckily i had some old ones laying around.. also use the blue brake goo on them, everything else is straight forward..
i'd also reccomend bleeding the brake system.. makes the pedal more firm. At least it did for me.

 

Do you turn the piston clockwise or counterclockwise to compress it? Is there a "magic" number of turns, like 4 turns or do you just turn it til its fully compressed and it can't go any further?

Same procedure to release it?

 

Turn it clockwise until its in far enough that you can get the caliper over the pads. There is no need to "release" it.

Auto stores sell a small tool that will fit into those notcies in the piston and allow you to turn the pistion with your socket wrench. Makes the job a whole lot easier.

 

I tried the needle nose plier method woth no luck. If you have an Advance Auto near by you, they do a free rent a tool program and they have the caliper turning tool. I used this and it made the job very easy.

D

 

appreciate the advice...I will definitely be getting one of the tools. Thanks!