How to separate brake pads? - Honda Prelude Forum

LudemanDan · 11-20-2003, 12:35 AM

I have a 93 Prelude S, no ABS. After popping new pads into the calipers, I cannot separate them to put the rotor back in! I try and try, but no cigar.
I tried breaking the bleed screw to let some fluid out, but it wouldn't budge, and I decided not to press the matter.

What do I do?

TIA,
-Dan

Cashis · 11-20-2003, 12:51 AM

You have to use a clamp to compress the piston before you put the new pads in. When I didn't have access to a clamp, I used the old pads inside, and wedged it open with a big screwdriver and wedged the old pads from the other side (you can use wood blocks) until the piston compresses.

Zimmlude · 11-20-2003, 01:24 AM

You are supposed to put the new pads onto the rotors and then swing the caliper back into place over the pads. You will definatly need to compress the piston to get it over the new pads though.

Good luck,

G_Loc · 11-20-2003, 06:46 AM

Now you'll probably have to bleed the system since you opened the bleed screw and might have let some air into the system.

MR.CLIFFORD · 11-20-2003, 07:05 AM

6" C Clamps are your friend

Sonik_Fury · 11-20-2003, 07:43 AM

If you're replacing your rear pads don't you have to rotate the piston clockwise to get it to go back in, that's how it was on my 3rd gen at least. I tried for a good hour with a C-clamp to get it back in and then I read the helms and just twisted the piston back in soooo easy......BUT that was a 3rd gen, don't know if it's the same with a 4th(haven't had to do it yet)

G_Loc · 11-20-2003, 07:49 AM

yea, 4th gen rear calipers rotate back in also... the same with my mom's 4th gen Maxima

_SBradley_ · 11-20-2003, 10:05 AM

As the others have said, the front pistons just push back in. (I used large, adjustable plyers-type tool.)

The rears screw back in, clockwise. Do it slowly, so as not to tear the boot. If the boot starts to twist, just turn the piston back very slightly, and it should come around, then continue until the piston is all the way back in.

You just have to be sure, with the rears, to get the cross in the piston at the correct angle. The notch in the pad has to go into the cross on the piston. If you're replacing with brand new pads, then you won't be able to get the pad in if the piston is incorrectly adjusted, so no danger. If you're replacing partly used pads, then you must be careful to get this right!

LudemanDan · 11-21-2003, 07:33 PM

Shoot, I couldv'e done it all myself after all. Well, I spent money (and I won't say how much), but now I know. Thanks guys.

Dan

MR.CLIFFORD · 11-21-2003, 09:03 PM

PO mechanics > all the other mechanics

Prelude brakes are simple. You should always do them yourself and save the money.

99_SH · 11-21-2003, 09:48 PM

Tools are your friend

MR.CLIFFORD · 11-21-2003, 09:51 PM

cheater

brendon2k · 11-22-2003, 01:02 PM

i wouldnt waste my money on a tool just for that. a simple c-clamp gets the job done.

mtbprelude · 11-23-2003, 11:43 AM

Most Auto-zone stores "rent" those out at no charge- you basically "buy" it and return it when done, around here its SOP