Replacing '98 S70 rear brake pads

[mar601]

I replaced my 98 S70 rear pads years ago. Pretty easy. Now I'm near 70 and have the car up to do it and tempted to blow it off.
Is there a simple way to get the calipers to release so I can get the pads out (and new ones in).? Seems it's tougher than I remember.
Isn't there some sort of valve I can loosen? I need this to be easy or I'll just take it to a shop.

And do you grease the shims also? Both sides? -- thanks

[mar601]

Ok -- just saw a post about the bleeder valve etc. -- think I'm going to forget about it.

[abscate]

If you hit the bleeders with 28 seconds of propane heat they rarely break

[mar601]

Can you actually get the pads in and out without touching the bleeder? Anyone know of a video somewhere that shows how to deal with the caliper pistons in replacing the pads? Trying to make this as easy as possible -- will have to do it myself because I can't get an appointment till Thursday.

[abscate]

You can push the pistons back in with a lever after you remove the old pads. Protect the face of the piston with something

[dalel]

Channel lock pliers make nice piston compressors.

[scot850]

Remove the brake master cylinder cap or at least loosen it so it is just sitting on the top of the master cylinder bottle.

I have been able to carefully use a pry bar or long heavy duty flat blade screw driver to push between the pad at it's end where there is no material and the disc. If you are feeling a huge amount of resistance then it may be your rear calipers have rusted and frozen.

You can also try hitting the edge of the pad with a large punch or chisel so shock the pads loose as they can jam. I have also had success using a long punch down the inner side of the pad from the 'drum' for the parking brake to help push the pad out. Problem is if you have a large wear lip on the disks then you may not easily push or pull the pads out.

Large channel locks has have been suggest may work.

Good luck!

Neil.