[freestar14]

I am about to do my brakes on my ford freestar for the first time. I have done brakes before on vehicles where some you can get away with using a c-clamp to depress the piston back in to the caliper and others where you need a caliper tool to turn them back in.

My question is: What tool do you need to push the piston back in to the caliper on a 2006 Ford Freestar (4.2L Sport AdvanceTrac).

I've seen conflicting information on the net where people use c-clamps, and others use the special caliper tool.

I need to confirm.

Thanks in advance.

[Canuck623]

You need a caliper tool that pushes as it rotates the piston to put them back into the caliper. The pistons rotate to the REAR of the car. Left side turns clockwise and the right side turns counter clockwise. Turning them the wrong way will ruin the caliper.

[Skyhawk]

Open the bleeder when you push the pistons back into the calipers so that you do not push the old fluid back through the system. When you are done push fresh fluid through the whole system and be carefull not to pump the master cylinder dry, or you will have to bleed the ABS and maybe bench bleed the master cylinder. The caliper tool can be purchased at any auto parts store and they are not expensive.

[Graybeard]

Good advice, Skyhawk. I go one step further, and depress the pedal part way to shut off the return port. I use a stick about two feet long, and run the power seat forward to engage seat to pedal. It's quick and easy.