how can i replace the rear pads on my 1999 renault scenic without the tool for turning back the rear cylinders . the car has abs and renault recommend a special tool to push the cylinders back to allow the pads in to postion

brian reed, February 2007

make sure you slacken the hand brake cable off first then remove them from the calipers.fit the new pads and only screw the pistons back until the caliper can be slid back on with about 1mm gap make sure if the pads have a lug on them that it lines up with the gap on the piston face, then with your hand pump the hand brake lever on the caliper until it make a good firm contact with the pad, refit the hand brake cables and pump the foot pedal to also make sure the piston is locking the rear discs up and is free when you take your foot off. you will need about 6 to 7 clicks on the hand brake for it to work correctly. but if your not sure get a garage to do this job.

Richie, December 2007

I used an M30 socket and ratchet with an extension and pushed this onto the caliper piston which it grips O.K. (grips onto the star face of the piston). My wife then used a long screw driver and gently levered onto the back of the socket as I turned the ratchet. This pushes the piston home. No excessive force had to be used to achieve this. This worked well on both rear brakes no problems - I had to renew all discs and pads at 37000 miles as they were completely kyboshed!!! (Unlike my old Honda at 104000 miles on the original discs and drums - but new front pads at 102,000 miles). I have completed this today 31/03/2007 and tested it with no problems at all. Ours is a 2003 (last of the old model 1.4 fidji but I imagine it will be the same).
Hope this helps.

Nick

Nick Bell, March 2007