2011 front brake caliper won’t compress all the way to get over new pads.

[Spence340]

Doing front brakes on 2011 V6 and everything was going well until piston stopped returning after several turns inward. It went in and stopped with about 1/8” or so of piston showing and definitely won’t fit over the new pads. Tried clamping it to pull it in but no luck and I also opened the bleeder and took the cap off the master cylinder hoping to release the pressure. Any else I should be doing?

 

[JC SSP]

Crack the bleeder screw...

 

[GriffX]

This is a two piston caliper? Try to compress them individually.

 

[Spence340]

Sorry, I spaced out, I was doing rear brakes not front and I did crack the bleeder. Someone on YouTube said to just keep turning it in and it will go but I was pushing with the tool and turned and turned but it only goes so far.

 

[DieHarder]

For a Rear Brake Pad service: One thing to pay attention to is the alignment of the piston and brake pads. There's a nub on the pads that fit into the piston when aligned properly. I believe the orientation is N/S. You shouldn't have to have it all of the way in for it to fit properly. Extreme case go get a rebuilt unit and and give them yours if there is a core charge. Should be around $40. Here's a simple 4 min UTube on it. Good luck.

 

[GriffX]

I wasn't able to compress the rear piston without this tool, but if you still not able to do it, there could be corrosion on the piston.Take a look at the dust boot if it is ok.
(Some tip if you ever change the brake hose: Don't throw the old hose away, cut it in half put some glue inside and use it as an end cap if you remove the caliper)

 

[Juice]

Losen the park brake cable under the console.