Retracting Caliper Pistons, How to? Options

[Vince-Noir]

My new rear discs are on and the calipers are off waiting for me to retract the pistons before i replace the pads, but i have no idea how to retract the pistons on my 98 GT (3SGE). In fact they look fully extended!

Can anyone tell me how to do this please?

Many thanks

[6strngs]

sounds like you blew the seal on the caliper piston. it'll probably need replacement.

what you're SUPPOSED to do when compressing the caliper is not to open the resevoir cap but just crack the bleeder screw open. this will relieve the pressure so you're not compressing the brake fluid (liquids don't compress, meaning something else will give out) and yes, use a c-clamp to compress them. you can get one at any auto parts store for about $10.

and as alltracman said, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, therefore you should never leave the resevoir cap open, or use brake fluid that's been sitting in an opened container. brake fluid should be completely flushed and refilled every two years anyway, so now you've got an opportunity for that.