I'm replacing the rear brakes on my 2005 FX4. Do I need a special tool to compress the piston? On my Mustang rear brakes, I have a tool that I have to "press and turn", but the mustang has groves for the tool to fit in. My F-150 has no such groves, yet a C-Clamp does not seem to compress the thing. Does anyone know if I need a special tool, or just a C-Clamp? Am I not turning hard enough? Thanks for replies!

 

The rear brakes are just a press in caliper. I just did the rear brakes on mine due to a locked up caliper. Your caliper is stuck. They use the Phenolic pistons which SUCK!!! You need new calipers.

 

I put on a new caliper. The old was froze and the pads were gone. The piston actually shattered one side. The other side had 1/2 of the pads left still. Thanks.

 

ok...good to know...no special tool for the rear brakes. What about for the front?

 

They do make a tool used for press out u-joints. Which is a big c-clamp with a nut drive head instead of a handle and you can use a wrench to press the caliper. I hope this helps. It should make it a little easier. It might still tough getting back in there but at least you won't be busting up your hands.

 

Thanks again for your answers. This weekend I'm changing the front pads. Hopefully there's nothing broken!