I have a 2005 Mazda 3 and am trying to replace the rear pads and rotors. The rotors have a ~1mm lip running along the outside circumference on each side that has been dug out by the pads (50,000 miles). My problem is that when I go to slide off the caliper, there is so little clearance between the pads and the rotor that the pads hit this lip and the caliper wont slide off. The only way I think of removing it is to somehow depress the piston while the caliper is on the car.

Anyone have this problem; am I missing a step to removing the rear calipers?

Thanks for the help!

 

I usually use a big C-clamp, with the solid end behind the caliper, and the adjustable threaded end on the outer pad. When you tighten it, it forces the piston back into the caliper. Don't overdo it, just a little does it, or you will overflow the brake fluid in the master cylinder. When you are done you will need to pump the brake pedal a few times and check the fluid.

 

Just use a flathead screwdriver and pry between the pads and rotor (be careful with the rotor side though if you aren't replacing it). This will usually loosen the piston enough to get the calliper off. Mine is an '06 and after the piston is clear of the pads, use a needlenose set of pliers to stick in the holes in piston head. Push in hard while turning in clockwise (just as though you are screwing the piston in).

 

Um, do you all know that the rear caliper piston needs to be screwed in to retract? If you just force it won't move - or you'll break something (likely the tool you're trying to compress it with).

If there's a lip there, take a pair of pliers or a grinder / dremel / hammer & screwdriver to it to nock it down so you can get the caliper out.

 

Thanks guys. I used a hammer and carefully hit it off while using a screwdriver to pry the outside pad free (it was rusted to the caliper). After that new pads and rotors went nice and smooth .