GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

How to change rear side rotors and pads?

OH, im replacing rear rotors and pads soon on my 2009. They're ready to be replaced. I havent bought the parts yet but ontime when I was replacing all lug nut studs I was tinkering around with the rear calipers and found out that I couldn't compress the rear caliper with a C-clamp. It has to do with how the e-brake mechanism is designed to work with the rear caliper. I just picked up one of these 6-sided tools from Jegs for about $12. Hope that works when I attempt the job.



Heres a good youtube vid about it. He does a good job to explain how to compress the rear caliper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlMU8K36Hjo&feature=plcp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

^ wish I knew how to embed video. I have done it before, but cant figure it out now..?

Sometimes those cubes are a bit hard to use. If you have a good parts place like Autozone or similar, many times they have the professional caliper tool for rent for just a deposit you get back when you return it. I've used it before and it worked out well. I actually bought the kit from Harbor Freight when they had it on sale for $25 a couple of years ago.

Or you grab some needle nose pliers in a pinch. I actually find it easier than the "pandoras box". Stuff them in place and twist until you bottom the caliper out.

Interesting! Confronted with something similar on a set of Accord rear discs - a huge slotted screw that I was able to turn using a screw driver turned sideways.