yea C clamp works, but is more likely to overtighten and damage the caliper then squeezing them with the large channel locks.

As long as you dont pump the brakes while the calipers are off you shouldnt have anything popping out or anything like that

 

yeah i just compressed them in until they were flush, that gave enough room to put the new pads in and fit over the rotor

 

Cool. Thanks for the info. One more question: Is putting grease on the caliper side of the pads recommended? If so, what kind? I'm going with Wagner ThermoQuiet pads.
Thanks,
BOMO

 

if your pads didnt come with any high heat grease use dielectric grease

 

Great! Thanks again.

 

Great write up Patrick: I usually use the c-clamp but I put a piece of flat metal or wood plate on the pistons and then use the c-clamp to push them in, this way you cannot exert more force and the pistons even out with the caliper surface. the second thing i would like to point out is to keep an eye on the brake reservoir as brake fluid will be pushed back into the reservoir.

Even an old wirteup but the information is still valid

 

good additional thoughts. Thanks msk59!

 

Great write up. Only problem I encountered was that I was unable to get the original dust caps off without deforming them. Had to make an unanticipated trip back to the auto parts store for new ones.

 

Awesome write up. Just did mine but also had to change the front left spindle because the outer bearing seized and burnt.