MOT time

[rallybluecelt]

It's that time of year again...

It failed

Offside inner upper wishbone bushes worn out - new upper wishbone needed

Offside rear parking brake not working... fixed now

Offside rear brake pads worn out...working on it now...and wished I'd read the forum first. I thought 'brake pads - how hard can that be' having done them loads of times in the past, mainly on motorbikes tho. Old pads out - yuk! - hmm how to get the piston back in.. on to the forum - special tool? Nooooo.

So off to halfords this afternoon. Scratch that - £32.99 for the Laser 1314 tool - £10 on ebay more like it

156 Will be back on the road soon!

[clwyd]

You don't need a special tool, I use a set of plumber type pliers to wind the piston in, but you need to apply pressure to it as well this can be done using a g clamp.
I was working on the rear near side brake of the 147 yesterday, it was siezed but managed to free it.

[rallybluecelt]

Hi Clwyd

I tried using pliers but couldn't turn the piston at all. I don't think it's seized as I managed to free the handbrake lever bit behind the piston and it all worked. The special tool has just turned up from ebay so I'll have another crack at it.

Cheers

Colin

[rmaxeman]

I've used a large G clamp in the past but the calipers need to be in fairly good condition or they stick.

See if you can get it fixed for the 1st April - http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/north...un-2012-a.html (Anglesey & Snowdonia run 2012)

[rallybluecelt]

Hi

I think it has seized. I used the tool with no luck even using an extension bar for more force!
Any ideas how to free it before it goes to the garage for the other work?

The 156 WILL be on the road well before the 1st of April

[rmaxeman]

Originally Posted by rallybluecelt

Hi

I think it has seized. I used the tool with no luck even using an extension bar for more force!
Any ideas how to free it before it goes to the garage for the other work?

The 156 WILL be on the road well before the 1st of April

Is it still on the car? Try applying the brakes with the pads out (make sure you place something to stop the piston shooting out completely or you'll have brake fluid everywhere) If it's off the car, try compressed air (again put something to stop the piston flying out)

TBH if it's stuck in there, it most likely corroded and you may be better off getting a second hand working caliper from rgwm (on here), Autolusso or ebay. - Autolusso - Alfa Romeo Specialist | Used Alfa Romeo Parts Online Shop

[clwyd]

you could try using a G clamp to push it back in but you will need to put a piece of wood at the back of the caliper and something across the front of the piston. This way you can apply more pressure directly on the piston itself.

[rallybluecelt]

Thanks for the tips - job done! I opened the bleed valve and used a G-Clamp, didn't seem to do much so I put the caliper back on with one new pad on the inside, then used a large screwdriver to see if there was any movement and noticed the fluid was moving out of the valve when I pushed. So off with the caliper, on with the piston tool, large lever for more force, gave it several goes and then at last it moved!

So next - to the garage! Ho Hum

[clwyd]

Well done, hope everything goes well with the MOT

[rallybluecelt]

Thanks for all the help - Alfa is back on the road

The mechanic had a bit of a struggle getting the old wishbone out (glad I didn't have a go at that!) got it done plus a weld on the exhaust bracket all in for £150 cash.

Next job is bleed the brake system.....