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I am having problems compressing the rear brake calipers on a 2008 Chevy Malibu. I have worked on other GM products with no problems but this just does not want to compress.

The cailper gets (TURNED) in

Submitted by ASE MASTER on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 05:50.

The cailper gets (TURNED) in not (COMPRESSED) in like the conventional method that uses a large c-clamp. If you've already used the c- clamp method and applied alot of pressure you most likely (DAMAGED) th caliper. The link below shows the tool you need to (TURN) the caliper in.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OTC-4589

Thank you for this valuable

Submitted by Vince Ortega on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 07:45.

Thank you for this valuable information. I had not yet used a c-clamp but had planned on doing so this morning. I just turned the piston and it retracted. I will watch closely to make sure that it still functions as it is supposed to.

Vince, Autozone will usually

Submitted by drivability on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 07:35.

Vince,

Autozone will usually let you borrow a brake caliper tool.

ASE mentioned that caliper damage is likely and he is correct. If you decide to reuse the caliper pay close attention to it's performace. Make sure that the caliper not only functions to stop the car but that it also releases when you let off of the brake. Also, don't forget to check for the operation of the parking prake.

Let us know if you need any help. Good luck. Thanks.

Vince, Looks like we were

Submitted by drivability on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 08:00.

Vince,

Looks like we were typing at about the same time. That being the case I want to make sure you read my post at 9:35 before you posted at 9:45. Glad you got it to retract but make sure to check the operation of the parking brake in addition to checking the performance of the hydraulic portion of the caliper and of course checking for leaks. Thanks.

Vince, If you used the

Submitted by ASE MASTER on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 15:43.

Vince,

If you used the c-clamp method (with alot of turning pressure) on this particular style caliper, you could have damaged it. The fact that you finally got the caliper to retract back into it's bore means nothing. The damage could already be done. The caliper could start to leak brake fluid at anytime. You don't want to play games with brakes. It can make the difference between life and death. Everyone wants to save money, but this is not the type of thing to economize with. Better to be safe than sorry. Just install a new caliper.