Just wondering if I need to replace a caliper or not. I was in the process of replacing the rear disc brakes on an 02 focus wagon, and when I finally got the rotors off, and the brake pads out, it seemed like the piston in the caliper had "popped out" of the caliper. Is this something I should be able to get back in, and how, or do I just need to replace the caliper?

 

If the puck popped out to the point where it is leaking fluid it will minimally need to be cleaned and washed thoroughly before reassembly but I wouldnt bother. The rebuilt ones are becoming very cheap. If you leave the cap/top on the master cylinder it will build up pressure and the pucks will "walk" out of the calipers. Sometimes they walk even without pressure and a c-clamp must be used to hold them in place.

 

is there any trick to changing these rear brakes? I have had one heck of a hard time trying to compress the caliper pistons. Do I need to twist them or remove a bolt from the back or anything? Its the first time I've done rears

 

Not really hip on the particulars of these. Sounds like you have the calipers off. A c-clamp can be used to compress the pistons back to the full "open" status. If The dont go back smoothly they may need to be rebuilt. Gunk can build up in them and corrosion/dust will get them to stick sometimes. I was going to rebuild the calipers on my f250(4 Puck versions) and it was a deal for about $30.oo to buy rebuilt. No honing or metal shaving worries or torn seals to ponder. If they are giving you heartburn check with the local parts guys on rebuilds and just replace. Sorry but dont know any of the idesyncracies of this model just general stuff. good Luck!

 

Rear disk brake's usally need to be compressed by turning the piston back in.