[Tndihb03]

I'm doing the rear pads on my 2015 transit 350 xlt and am having problems getting the calipers to compress.
The few times I have done brakes I was able to compress them with a C clamp, not this time.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Byron the Painter]

I can't tell ya what to do in regards to the calipers, but I'm sure a few dudes will come in here with something.

What I curious about, is your new pads. Are you going with stock or aftermarket?

The dust with these stock pads would be acceptable if it was just plain ridiculous, but it's WAY beyond that. If you don't keep them clean it'll actually stain the alloy wheels!

I'd be very interested in the dust performance (and performance overall) of an aftermarket brand. I've only got 6000 miles on mine so I'll tolerate them until they need replacement or if someone around here can throw down some info on something besides stock.

That info is lacking here...a couple guys said they went with aftermarket pads but when pressed for details they disappeared.

Good luck with the calipers.

 

[Andre Jones]

I'm doing the rear pads on my 2015 transit 350 xlt and am having problems getting the calipers to compress.
The few times I have done brakes I was able to compress them with a C clamp, not this time.
Any advice would be appreciated.

If the C clamp doesn't work I think the only option is bleeding some fluid and re-filling afterward.

I've heard from a few sources that the C clamp route can potentially cause a good bit of harm anyway, for whatever that's worth.

Maybe alternatively you can coast to a rest where you need but I doubt that will help much...

Not sure if this method works on the Transit...

Open the fluid reservoir...you might need to get a turkey baster and suck some of the fluid out so you don't overflow. DON'T let it overflow, brake fluid is very corrosive to paint.

 

[Airedrifter]

There's a racket (sorta) mechanism in play. I don't remember exactly, but you have to turn the cylinder as you compress it. There's a video on it somewhere.

 

[alarmist]

You need a tool to turn the piston. They do not compress. Maybe a glance at the manual would be useful. The two sides behave differently. Look for arrows on the caliper. I think I posted some images for whitedog a while back. Might be in the service section of the forum.

From the manual:
NOTE: The arrow on the brake caliper housing indicates the direction the piston is rotated when retracting the piston into the brake caliper housing. Rotate the RH caliper piston counter clockwise and the LH caliper piston clockwise and make sure the notch on the piston is aligned with the bump on the brake caliper housing before installing the brake caliper. A moderate to heavy force toward the caliper piston must be applied. If sufficient force is not applied, the internal park brake mechanism clutch cone will not engage and the piston will not compress.

If installing new brake pads, retract the brake caliper pistons into the brake caliper bore.
Use the General Equipment: Brake Caliper Piston Retractor

 

[joefromga]

Ford has used a cube shaped tool for years to retract the brakes. They carry them at local parts stores. Not sure if the transit uses this but it's likely.

It gives you slots and notches so a wrench will fit. .

 

[Airedrifter]

I was able to use large slip lock pliers.

 

[woodgeek]

Did rear brakes today. Total absolute pull my hair out, PITA. Never had to retract brakes before. But then again I've never done rear discs before. I'll definitely be buying a $30 kit from Amazon.

Replaced front and rear pads with Power Stop pads. Will update with comments after a few months.

 

[alarmist]

Did rear brakes today. Total absolute pull my hair out, PITA. Never had to retract brakes before. But then again I've never done rear discs before. I'll definitely be buying a $30 kit from Amazon.

Replaced front and rear pads with Power Stop pads. Will update with comments after a few months.

I got that tool. You will like it, but there is a learning curve. Have a wrench handy to loosen the compressing nut if it binds up. Took me a couple of tries where it locked up solid, then all of a sudden it started working a treat. No idea what changed.

 

[NewToTransit]

Is this the tools you guys used? http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/disc-brake-caliper-tool Can rent this out. Thanks

 

[vipvanilla]

Is this the tools you guys used? http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/disc-brake-caliper-tool Can rent this out. Thanks

That's the one I've always used. There aren't directions that come with it (at least the 3 sets I've rented from O'Reilly and Autozone) but I feel it's fairly intuitive to use and quite easy. Never had luck with C clamps

 

[dwells50]

Old thread, but I'd like to add something.
I have already changed the rear pads on my T-250, using the cube, and yes, it was a total PITA. This weekend, I couldn't get the parking brake mechanism to engage on my T-350.
Autozone online showed the rental tool in stock at my local store, but it wasn't. I ordered the Amazon tool.
The Autozone tool looks like it only spins in one direction to compress(?). The ones from Amazon come with 2 screw clamps, left and right. Since the left and right pistons spin in different directions, it looks like that would make a difference. Does it? Thanks.

 

[alarmist]

Yes. You need a left and right hand threaded tool to do the rear brakes.

 

[lolwisper4321]

Is this the correct tool?

https://www.amazon.com/DPL-Piston-R..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=EHKD0YVSQCVJBCJQM47X

I guess this kit has an adapter for the Ford Transit that might fit as well?

https://www.amazon.com/8MILELAKE-Br..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=QEQ64ABEEHBVRP7A7CCJ

 

[Eiko]

Is this the correct tool?

Don't waste your time with the tool in the first link - first hand experience.

I have a similar but not the same set as the second link. So I don't know but I would guess yes.

 

[Byron the Painter]

I've got a question for you guys regarding the brake pads...

My '16 has 25K and the factory warranty expires mid January. I put on new tires yesterday and the rear pads are nearly gone. Rotors aren't pretty, either. I've never had brakes wear out so quickly.

Any luck with Ford covering this under warranty? I'll call a dealership today and inquire...

 

[Eiko]

Any luck with Ford covering this under warranty? I'll call a dealership today and inquire...

Ha! You're cute.

But let us know what they say since there is a TSB on rear calipers mounted upside down. But I thought those were 2015s (?). Maybe you'll get "lucky".

 

[Truck]

Any luck with Ford covering this under warranty? I'll call a dealership today and inquire...

Ha! You're cute.

But let us know what they say since there is a TSB on rear calipers mounted upside down. But I thought those were 2015s (?). Maybe you'll get "lucky".

Mine are upside down but I have not gathered the gumption to change them.

 

[Eiko]

I have not gathered the gumption to change them.

You changed your coolant and transmission pan. This has to be an easy project in comparison.

 

[Truck]

I have not gathered the gumption to change them.

You changed your coolant and transmission pan. This has to be an easy project in comparison.

I didn't do the transmission pan! I paid to have that done. But yeah, I guess the repercussion for being lazy on those rear brake brackets is much lower.