During the process of changing disc brakes on any vehicle type, you must compress or collapse the brake caliper. The brake caliper is the piston cylinder in the center of the brake caliper mounting bracket. The caliper is the mechanism responsible for the application of the brakes to the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, pressure in the brake lines presses the caliper against the brake pads and in turn they grind against the rotor to slow down the car.
Loosen all of the lug nuts on the rear tires with the tire iron. Place the wood blocks in front of the front tires to help keep the car from rolling.
Place the jack under the rear axle of the car and raise it until the tires are off of the ground. Set the jack stands under the rear axle for support. Remove the tire.
Remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper mounting bracket on to the rotor, with the socket wrench. The mounting bracket is the half-moon shaped metal bracket on the rotor that is revealed when you take off the tire.
Check to see if there is a groove across your caliper cylinder. If there is a groove, you will need to use the compression tool. If there is no groove, you will need to use the C-clamp. Both tools work the same way, but the compression tool has a special attachment to rotate while compressing.
Place the stationary end of the tool against the rear of the mounting bracket and the movable piece against the caliper cylinder. Compress by tightening the tool until the caliper is flush with the base of the bracket.
