The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Okay, so I've never done a front pad change on a Subaru before. In virtually every other car, it has been a simple case of pushing the brake piston back, but apparently the front handbrake system makes things more interesting in the L Series.

My specific question involves the instruction "wind the piston into the caliper bore."

I don't pretend to understand how a threaded(?) piston could possibly work, but does this mean I won't need to exert pressure on the piston, and it will just automatically retract as I wind it clockwise (assuming I get a tool to fit it)? Or is it a case where I will still have to put heavy pressure on the piston, while I wind it clockwise?

I just want to make sure I'm not going to damage anything.

Cheers,
Dave

the piston must be wound in because of the handbrake on the front caliper

there is a tool available from any car parts store for winding in the brake piston it is primarily for the rear handbraked cars but will work exactly the same for a subaru

otherwise you can use a pair of long nse pliers to do the same thing (sit the ends of the pliers in the recessed grooves and slowly turn the piston in the direction stated in the repair manual you are using

TOONGA

I think Subaru even have a part number like "Subaru special tool #564w872) or something or-other for this. But yeah, pliers work fine.

it sort of resembles a 30mm socket with two teeth left at the top to engage in the grooves seen in the piston. Tool is common for cars not have handbrake connected also. Think winding in is softer on the piston seal. Many parts places should have or be able to order in.

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get one of these socket things... I didn't think it would be a generic thing.