I decided to change my rotors & pads this afternoon. I had just gotten a set of cross drilled/slotted of eBay and my brakes were getting worse by the minute. I replaced the fronts with minor issue. Then I started on the rear passenger side. I lowered the parking brake and then jacked up the back right side. I took the wheel off... Removed the caliper... Took off the brake pads (Which were worn down to the metal!!!)... Took off the caliper bracket and rotor. I then went to collapse the caliper and couldn't do it. At first I couldn't get the c-clamp in the right position, then when I finally got it, I couldn't tighten the clamp. I tried for about 15 minutes with no avail. Did I miss a step? Any ideas on collapsing the caliper?
Thanks.

 

The rear calipers are not meant to be compressed by a c-clamp. You are supposed to twist them in a clockwise direction. Needle-nose pliers work or get a special tool from autozone or other auto parts store. I just use needle-nose pliers myself.

Keep in mind that the lines need to be at a 90 degree angle to the contact on the pad. Meaning that the two lines need to be vertical and two need to be horizontal when placing the caliper back on. And that is vertical and horizontal to the hub, not the ground. Hope that is clear.

 

get a Haynes manual at your local auto parts store...it will walk you through the process the correct way....

otherwise, foodmanry is correct in his diagnosis...

 

This thread should be in the 'stickies' or FAQ. Just saved me a ton of irritation.