How to Compress Car Brake Calipers

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The brake caliper is vital to stopping your car. It is the most vital piece of equipment in the brake system. Friction from the brake caliper is what stops the wheel from turning.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Socket set
Compressor tool
Caliper

Step 1

Lift the car up mechanically in a garage, where you can work in a safe environment.
Step 2

Take the caliper off, remove the brake pads and then mount a compressor tool in the caliper.
Step 3

Steer the big socket of the compressor tool on the piston of the caliper. Slide the flat plate of the compressor tool into the caliper.
Step 4

Screw the bolt of the compressor tool into the socket to create a snug fit.
Step 5

Use a 9/16 inch ratchet to tighten the bolt. You will need to use a serious amount of arm strength to crank the ratchet.
Step 6

Support the caliper-—remember it has only the brake line as its support at this point.
Step 7

Watch for the point in the process where there is a 1/16 inch of the piston visible above the surface of the rotor. The caliper is now fully compressed.