has anyone changed a rear brake caliper by themselves?

[tojimario]

looks like i may need a new one. just got new brakes put on, but now my left-rear caliper keeps hanging up. it doesnt do it all the time, but i dont trust that it will just stop over time... anyone know where i could get another caliper, (thesaabsite?), and also, has anyone done the job themselves to save being manhandled by a shop? the car its going on is a 2004 9-3 aero!

[jlrSAAB]

I had never did a caliper change, see some info about brakes.
http://saabworld.net/f69/brake-system-saab-9-3-a-675/

[tojimario]

I had never did a caliper change, see some info about brakes.
http://saabworld.net/f69/brake-system-saab-9-3-a-675/

already looked through the faqs on here, but couldnt find anything specific about caliper removal and whatnot

[pacotaco]

to just remove the caliper there are two bolts that are T-30 torx or allen key (use an allen key if you can) they go throught the little rubber thingies's next to the piston (theres a dust cap on them)
once you have removed the studs the caliper itself should be free, then you have to disconnect the brake hose line and the whole caliper will be free from the assembly.
If you are looking for a new one rock auto has some of the lowest prices, or you can go on ebay and search. Be careful when reinstalling the caliper bolts the rear caliper bracket is very easy to strip. after everything is reassembled bleed the brake and your on your way!

[nordwulf]

already looked through the faqs on here, but couldnt find anything specific about caliper removal and whatnot

I added the WIS instructions to the brake system tutorials. Here is a direct link to the rear caliper:

Saab 9-3 rear brake caliper.pdf

[tojimario]

thanks pacotaco and wulf! looks like ill be busy next saturday... seems to be an easier job than i expected it to be . i still hate bleeding brakes though

[tojimario]

one more thing though, where can i get that brake piston resetting tool and adapter? the ones mentioned in that pdf link?

[mt.aero]

You can just use a big c-clamp or pliers to push the piston back in. I put a small block of wood between the piston and clamp to get even pressure and to prevent any sort of damage.

[pacotaco]

uhh not really, dont rely on pressure to get it back in. the piston needs to twist to get back in so you need to rotate the piston while giving a BIT of pressure to get the piston back in, if you use too much pressure it will not work right. if you are working with a loaded piston and its bled take the brake fluid cap off this will help relieve the pressure in the line, but watch out if it over flows.

[mt.aero]

My fault. I didnt realize the piston on the 9-3 rotated in. honestly never heard of that before.