I have removed the old pads and replaced with new on my Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 DTL 16V but cannot get the caliper piston to push back in to make room for the new pads. As the handbrake mechanism is also on this caliper is there something else I need to do to release.

Chris, October 2005

The trick to winding back the piston is to use a spanner from a 125mm angle grinder disc nut

Andy Hughes, August 2009

I had the same problem when trying to change the rear pads on my Zafira. You have to turn the pistons at the same time as pushing them back in to release the grip that the seals have on the pistons that stops you pushing them straight back in. Vauxhall produce a special tool for their mechanics to use but it's rather expensive so negates the whole reason to do it yourself. I used a G clamp to apply the pressure at the same time as twisting the piston with mole grips and it went in no bother. Be warned it was quite tricky and took a bit of experimentation to get it right. I can't remember if I loosened the bleed valve though. Good Luck.

andrew, October 2005

yes i think what you have do is release the break fluid valve which is on or near the caliper.but be careful as this sometimes is solid with rust and you dont want to shear the nut off.once you have done that when you push the piston back the fluid will come out then top it up when you have finished.
good luck

MR.P.JOHNSON, October 2005