Hi guys, just want to share my experience and advice on changing the rear pads on the 156.
With reference to the below article on changing the pads, a few pointers (and I'm mentioning this because it has happened-to me, therefor there is the possibility of it happening again). When turning the piston back, make sure it is being turned clockwise. Turning it the other way round will bring the piston out and then you're stuck for a couple of hours getting it back into position to fit the tool into the caliper ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Disc-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item20cc7687a4&vxp=mtr ).
The pressure that you have to apply onto that piston is incredible, you'll have to be Hulk Hogan or Schwazzeneger to do it without the tool. It is money worthwhile spent, as it took me 10-15 minutes to change the other side, whereas the first side took me MUCH longer (hours and days) than that.
http://www.alfa156.net/tech/Alfa156Brakes.pdf
I don't know where the author of the above manual got the idea or word that pliers can be used, as I went to go and buy the toolkit after the 2nd or 3rd attempt with pliers. The inevitability of the pliers slipping and damaging the piston, the boot and the seal was just too great, never mind the force you have to apply to push that thing back.
Take care.
With reference to the below article on changing the pads, a few pointers (and I'm mentioning this because it has happened-to me, therefor there is the possibility of it happening again). When turning the piston back, make sure it is being turned clockwise. Turning it the other way round will bring the piston out and then you're stuck for a couple of hours getting it back into position to fit the tool into the caliper ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Disc-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item20cc7687a4&vxp=mtr ).
The pressure that you have to apply onto that piston is incredible, you'll have to be Hulk Hogan or Schwazzeneger to do it without the tool. It is money worthwhile spent, as it took me 10-15 minutes to change the other side, whereas the first side took me MUCH longer (hours and days) than that.
http://www.alfa156.net/tech/Alfa156Brakes.pdf
I don't know where the author of the above manual got the idea or word that pliers can be used, as I went to go and buy the toolkit after the 2nd or 3rd attempt with pliers. The inevitability of the pliers slipping and damaging the piston, the boot and the seal was just too great, never mind the force you have to apply to push that thing back.
Take care.