rear disc pads Vectra C

[FRANKA]

Hi

I am proposing to change the rear disc pads on my 04 Vectra.

I have bought the pads but the TIS says the pistons have to be wound back into the caliper using a special tool.

Has anyone changed their pads and is it absolutely neccessary to use the wind back tool.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[armoured farmer]

upgraded my fronts too drilled and grooved (on my 3.0 v6) and didn't need to "wind the pistons back",, not sure on the rears though..

[Gsi3.2]

Don't quote me on this one, But something sticks in my mind that as the handbrake acts on the rear pads via the caliper, you have to use the tool to back off the piston's, adjusting the handbrake back off as you do so.. operating the handbrake with the new pads in will auto adjust the piston's forward again..

[IamtheStig]

I was gonna ask the same question,my feeling was since Vaux went over to the handbrake working off of the caliper instead of seperate shoes then it is likely that the piston will need winding back in like Vw and Audi

Cheers.....

[GARY3306]

Don't quote me on this one, But something sticks in my mind that as the handbrake acts on the rear pads via the caliper, you have to use the tool to back off the piston's, adjusting the handbrake back off as you do so.. operating the handbrake with the new pads in will auto adjust the piston's forward again..

Mark is spot on with this one. All calipers that double up as the handbrake need to be wound back. You can buy a cheap enough kit these days to do the job. Halfrauds will have them. Normal two part double acting calipers (the front ones) only need to be pushed back.

[Gsi3.2]

Cheers Gary...Nice to know my brain still works..

[Bainie]

upgraded my fronts too drilled and grooved (on my 3.0 v6) and didn't need to "wind the pistons back",, not sure on the rears though..

I`m still considering this one Micky, did you have to remove the callipers or could you get the disk in without. Is the disk just a simple 1 screw job like the good old days ??

[GARY3306]

Because if you think about it, if the calipers were just the normal push back type, when you applied the handbrake, that would have the same effect as you pushing them back in. The handbrake operation would be forcing the pads out against the disc but if the pistons weren't held out in some way, they would just force the fluid in the hydraulic line backwards to the master cylinder and there would be no effect. Then when you go to put your foot on the footbrake, the pedal goes straight to the floor as there is a massive gap between pad and disc, and your car keeps going when stopping was really the desired reaction
Are you following this

[Gsi3.2]

Bainie..You've got to take the caliper carrier off.. Two bolts on the back..

[GARY3306]

I`m still considering this one Micky, did you have to remove the callipers or could you get the disk in without. Is the disk just a simple 1 screw job like the good old days ??

You won't get the discs off if you leave the calipers on Tommy. Remove the caliper leaving the flexi hose on and hang it up on the spring with welding rod and then remove the carrier.

EDIT Mark beat me to it LOL