Re: Caliper pistons

[stans4@ix.netcom.com]

On 04/19/97 13:41:59 you wrote:
>
>What's the best/easiest way to spread the pistons in the disc brake
>caliper, without using the "special" VW tool?  
>
>Cayson Ellsworth
>68 Fastback
>72 Super
>
>
The few times I've had to do it, I've found that a couple of large C-clamps does the trick.  You must be sure that you apply pressure straight-on when doing this, a piston cocked in the bore is very hard to move(also could cause damage).  I pull the caliper when doing this, much easier to look at what you're doing than having it on the car.  In the 7 years I've had my '71 SB, I've had to replace pads twice, once because a piston stuck in the bore and wouldn't retract.  My car's had a hard previous life, so I just replaced both calipers with new ones inexpensively, would suggest doing the same if there's any doubt as to the quality of the innards.