How do you compress the caliper pistons on the rear of the '82-83 ZX? I tried for like 2 hours last night and couldn't do it. The front brakes were easy, back brakes are being really stubborn.

 

TURN them. They screw in. I used slipjoint pliers on the edge. If the piston is clean enough inside, you can stick a nice wide flathead screwdriver inbetween those wierd bumps on the contact surface and just turn.

 

Yep Bleach is right, I think the back brakes are simpler. The front brakes were hard for me!

 

Exactly!!!

 

Damn, I tried turning it and it didn't work. Do you have to turn it and compress it or just turn it? I'll try again tonight. Thanks a lot guys.

 

Had this laying around so I took a pic to help you. It should turn clockwise to move the piston inward. When you reload the pads the slots should be like the picture, the lug on the pad must go in the slot. Be careful not to operate the parking brake lever untill you have it on the car because this is how the brakes adjust in. Since you have it out you should disassemble clean them and put in new seals. If you need help on that let me know.

 

Although that is a 79-81 rear caliper, the indents are simular and that gives you an idea of what you have to do.

You will have to turn it all the way in untill the surface of the piston is flush with the caliper. this is so the new brake pads will fit.

 

Here ya go dude!

Rear brake caliper, 1982-83

 

Hmm... Well mine is being a b*tch to turn so I don't know what is up with it. I haven't gotten a chance to get back to it cause Ive had to work the past couple days and needed my car so tomorrow afternoon I might really sit down and take a look at it. Maybe I'll just tear the thing apart and clean it up then put it back in. Thanks for the help guys.

 

No Promises That It Will Still Turn Easily After Smashing The Crap Out Of It For Two Hours... Good Luck.

ROD.

 

I got the brakes in on Sunday with not real problem. I sprayed a little WD-40 into the rubber boot and got the piston spinning freely. No problems after that, thanks guys.