I'm replacing the rear brake pads on my 2012 Mazda3, and the rear caliper is a screw in type. It should be no big deal, I got the double-pin tool, I've done plenty of brake jobs, but this time the caliper won't retract. It just spins, even if I put pressure on it while I turn it. The only explanation I can think of is that the piston was extended too far and is actually threaded completely out of the caliper (the pads were reeeeealy low), but I have no idea if this is really the case. Anyone else encounter this problem? Aside from taking the calipers to a brake shop, is there anything I can do to fix this?
I'd put a caliper on it and be done.
If your "double pin tool" doesn't compress while it turns, go to the local supply and rent the caliper tool that does. I have had this happen a few times and the compressing tool always does it.
j_tso
HalfDork
9/8/22 9:52 a.m.
Seconded on trying a different tool.
I rented something like this from Autozone:
Could it be a left hand thread?
My Prelude has screw in rear calipers. One will screw in pushing by hand with the pin tool you're probably talking about, the other side needs the tool pictured above. That tool makes the job easier anyway.
you probably won't hurt anything by popping the piston all the way out of the body, then you can study exactly how they work. but as others have already said, you need the tool that pushes in as it rotates. I call it the Dyna Moe Tool.
Ok, sounds like I need to get the press tool. I tried the one they had at Advance already but unfortunately none of the plates had the right pin spacing. I'll see if I can get something that works better from one of the other parts stores. Thanks everyone!
Make sure you are pushing in the correct way. Some of those Ford/Mazda/Jag calipers retracted in opposite directions.
I use the Sunex tool set for them. For the price its been beyond excellent for the last 7+ years. It has a ton of the pin heads for different size calipers.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-Tools-3930-Master-Caliper/dp/B0015S9VRE/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=sunex+brake+caliper+tool+kit&qid=1662656978&sprefix=Sunex+brake+%2Caps%2C490&sr=8-5
I had an OEM tool which did the same thing but the threads galled up really badly from basic use. Trashed the whole thing since they wouldnt sell me a new screw "thingy".
