Worked on replacing my X150 rear brake pads. Put e-brake in service position by IDS; removed parking brake cable from caliper. Started on the rear passenger side (it's a right hand drive vehicle). Used the cheap cube coupled to a ratchet and pressed by hand while turning CLOCKWISE. Piston turns but does not retract. Am concerned about putting too much force though! Should I turn the piston CLOCKWISE or ANTICLICKWISE? I'm pretty sure I've seen both answers here; possibly also clockwise on the rear right and ANTICLICKWISE on rear left and would like a definitive answer. Is it easy to damage the Pistons by incorrect turning? Cheers!

 

It is clockwise for both sides. The problem you are having is with the cube you can't put enough pressure on the piston to turn it in. You need to borrow or buy the piston tool which will make the process go easy. something like the two kits here. Brake Tools and Brake Bleeders ? Harbor Freight Tools

 

Thanks jagtoes. Will try with some more force then. It looks like the internal workings of the integrated parking brake caliper is that it has another conical cylinder behind the piston which 'rides' on a coarse screw driven by the parking brake cable. So really when the piston is rotating either way; I don't think this 'conical' cylinder is linked to the piston other than friction. I found this useful: to understand what happening inside the caliper.

 

Useful information, that.

 

You may not have a Harbor Freight store!
Great tool AND I always bleed old fluid when retracting piston. Got into that habit from my XKE's!! and motor home...........

Good Luck, Adrian 2007 XK Radiance Coupe

 

It is not necessary to bleed any brake fluid from the system when retracting the pistons. Bleeding should only be needed if any of the hydraulic lines have been opened, or a component such as a caliper has been replaced, or when changing the brake fluid.

 

Most auto parts stores will let you use theirs for free. Rent and then get a full refund.

Or put two short screws in a vice grip the width of the holes and you just made your own.

 

I've used a pair of long-nosed pliers in a pinch. They do the job but sometimes hurt the hand.

 

Thanks for your input guys! I've order a 'proper' piston retracting tool from amazon, I should receive it today or tomorrow. Not too keen to use the pliers approach; the prospect of ripping the piston rubber boot or stabbing my hand not something to look forward to. One thing I'll be checking also before rotating those pistons is that the rubber shrouding around them can move freely. Didn't need to bleed the system for the front pads, so I don't expect it's needed for the rear, especially with the right tool.

 

Pleased to advise job completion Got myself this kit (

Pretty uneventful for the most part; used IDS to release parking brake; parking cable was a bit of a pain to remove; pistons went in guite effortlessly with the tool; confirmed both rear wheels, CLOCKWISE ; made sure brake reservoir cap was open and no overspill; cleaned guiding pins and greased them and the pads. Didn't need to open bleed nipples.


I'm now off to Sicily and Abruzzo

Thanks guys!