C5 windy brake pistons

[zs&tas]

Need to fit new front pads, had the caliper off earlier but couldnt get the piston back, then i googled and searched and found they dont just push back but wind back ? am i the only one thinking newer and newer cars just get over complicated ?
Is it easy to wind them back without THE tool ?
thanks
Ant

[BX]

Wind back pistons on calipers which have a handbrake function have been around for at least 30 years. I'm not sure if the Peugeot 504 with discs all round had them in the early 1970s or not. On the C5 the pistons wind in, in the opposite direction to the direction the wheel rotates when the car is travelling forward. That is clockwise for the left hand caliper and anticlockwise for the right hand caliper. They should go very easily with the proper tool. I have welded two bolts onto the exterior of an old socket. It works but you need to press in on the piston as you turn it.

[citronut]

this ebay listing is very good value and it has the left and right hand winder

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-NEW ... 0643337387" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


or theres this type but a bit dearer

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Tools- ... 1157472926" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Stickyfinger]

this ebay listing is very good value and it has the left and right hand winder

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-NEW ... 0643337387" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That,s the one I have....works fine..recommended

[hamster99]

I've always used a large flat bladed screwdriver but this kit looks the business and at around £16 I will get one next time I change brake pads.

[RichardW]

I've changed a fair number of pads over the years using various improvise methods. Finally bought a wind back set when I had to do the pads on the back of the C4 Picasso - it makes changing them a piece of cake - kicking myself for not having bought one before!!

[wellad]

Just to add, the spanner for unlocking an angle grinder is a perfect fit for the C5's front callipers. With the bottom slide pin removed and the calliper fully rotated upwards, there's juuuust enough room to get a full 180° turn with the spanner. The winding action seems to do most of the work, but a bit of inwards pressure on the spanner helps to get it started. Just ensure you're turning the correct way for each side or it'll start winding out of the calliper. If your pads and discs are well worn the piston will be quite far out of the calliper, and won't take much more unwinding to fall out!