Bit of help needed, the rear pads need replacing on my father's 1.2 Octavia (cable handbrake), but because the pads have worn so low (right down to backing plates) the piston has been ejected so far as to not let my wind back tool fit into the space in the caliper. Just seeing if the old fashioned method of using a g-clamp can be used, or is there some sort threaded portion in the caliper bore that means the piston needs a twisting motion to push it back in. 

Thanks.

Needs twisting aswell I’m pretty sure

Can try not putting the plate in and cracking the bleed nipple to help wind it back. Just need to push and twist at the same time.

23 hours ago, T07 said:

Needs twisting aswell I’m pretty sure

Yeh, though so, otherwise the lugs in the piston would be pointless.

 

21 hours ago, Blue8793841 said:

Can try not putting the plate in and cracking the bleed nipple to help wind it

Tryed that, but couldn't get any pressure to force it back in, with the caliper still on car.

 

I've see some posts saying that it's possible to use needle nose pliers, but tryed that and there was no way it would work.

 

 

11 hours ago, R_U_AFA said:

Yeh, though so, otherwise the lugs in the piston would be pointless.

 

Tryed that, but couldn't get any pressure to force it back in, with the caliper still on car.

 

I've see some posts saying that it's possible to use needle nose pliers, but tryed that and there was no way it would work.

 

 

Try a friend with more strength 💪

I'll just tidy up and finish of this thread;

So no way I could get the piston to retract, (might even be seized), bought a second hand caliper £30, piston in that pushed back easily, change over was a bit of a pain, brake fluid everywhere but sorted. Of course the pad's metal backing plates have eaten away at the disc, but that's a later job, because the bolts are seized and rusted out.

The piston in the other side was incredibly stiff aswell, but at least I was able to use the windback tool on that side all be it with an extender leaver for extra purchase/ turning effort. But without the tool there would've been no chance to retract piston, best £14 spent.

Either that or just pay a mechanic.

 

“Tried that, but couldn't get any pressure to force it back in, with the caliper still on car.”

 

Did you remember to take the lid off the brake reservoir ?

4 hours ago, Led VRS said:

Did you remember to take the lid off the brake reservoir

No, but I did open the bleed nipple whilst trying to push back, I thought that would suffice for relieving any pressure / giving room for the fluid.