How do I reset the rear caliper

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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FELLOWSJA
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I am in the process of replacing the rear pads on my 2002 Protege 5. I've got the wheel off, the calipers off and the pads out, but I can't get brake piston to go back in (I have been attempting to use a C-clamp).

How can I get that brake piston back in the housing so the new pads will fit?
Jul 26, 2008 at 1:14 PM
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BLACKTIERI
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I just fixed my own last week, with the same problem as you.

Just remove the Caliber like normal take the brake pad out, Then look directly behind the biston. There is a Bolt. Unscrew that big bolt, underneath it is an Allen Head Screw. Unscrew that and the piston should back its way into the caliber, Easy!!!!

If you take it to a care shop they'll charge 600 dollars!

My way takes fifteen minutes.
Jul 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
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STEVEKRANS
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blacktieri hit the nail on the head with this one! i was just doing my rear brakes and got stumped at this spot. i saw this bolt when i first removed the calipers, but thought it was part of the mounting for the parking brake. just make sure that the allen head screw inside stays in when you are done, it can fall out.
Nov 4, 2008 at 9:14 PM
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CHOOSNEK
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Just in the process of changing my rear brakes and rotors. When I tried to back off the screw to adjust the piston, I discovered the screw just turns on the spot. I read in other forums that these cars are notorious for that screw stripping. The questions is, do I need to buy new calipers, or is there another alternative to back off the piston?
Aug 18, 2009 at 1:52 AM
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MARC MALONE
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Wow.... Thanks BLACKTIERI! You saved me a lot of time that would have been wasted without even getting the results... I had never even thought of or heard of a bolt or allen screw behind the piston... But there it was and I got the job done... Thanks again..
Mar 10, 2020 at 1:48 PM