How do you compress the piston back in to the rear caliper on a 2003 9-3?

 

your gonna have to take that to a local dealer man...unless you a GOOD mechanic

 

I haven't done it on a SAAB yet, but on my previous cars, a c-clamp (and only a c-clamp--don't try to use spring loaded ones) works well. Set the clamp so that the stable, non-moving end (the top) is laying flat on the caliper body. Then position the pad of the clamp on the piston. Place a small piece of soft wood or plastic between the pad and the piston to prevent scratching the piston face. Sloooowly, tighten the clamp and push the piston back into the housing.

The piston movement is caused by brake fluid migrating downward with the lack of pressure on the piston (i.e. being removed from the brake pad). Really hard to move with just your hands, but a clamp is very easy.

Just take it slow, and if you meet resistance, stop and follow hawaiisaab's advice.

Good luck

 

Don't know how it is on 2003's, but on 98-02's there are actually two pistons in the rear caliper...channel locks worked just fine...