1997 Mercury Sable Rear Piston Won't Retract Fix

1997 MERCURY SABLE
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STEVE LUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I'm changing the rear disc brakes on a 1997 Merc Sable and cannot get the brake piston to retract in order to give enough room for the new pads. Is there a trick on the Sable? I've changed other disc brakes and can always pust the brake piston back.
Jan 3, 2007 at 8:17 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
The piston must be rotated, turned, back into the caliper,, because there are gears that actuate the parking brake.. you risk breaking it internally if you try to force it back in straight.. you can buy a tool for like 10 bucks or so which fits on the end of a ratchet to turn it back in, or some auto parts stores rent, for free with deposit, a complete set of these tools..
Jan 3, 2007 at 8:52 AM

Suggested Repair

Rotate the rear caliper piston back into the caliper rather than pushing it straight. Parking-brake gears inside the piston can break if it is forced in. Use a caliper rewind tool on a ratchet, or rent a tool set from an auto parts store.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Mercury Sable could not retract the rear disc brake piston far enough to install new pads. The expert explained that the piston must be turned back into the caliper because internal gears operate the parking brake, and forcing it straight risks internal damage. A low-cost rewind tool or a free rental set from an auto parts store was recommended.

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