alright, i have checked everything from the rotors to the pads. both are brand new, correct part numbers (referenced through manual, gm dealer, napa, and online). my problem is that i have probably 1/4 inch too much of both, and the pads wont go over the rotor. its like that on both sides. i tried using a c-clamp to see if the piston would go back a little, but it wouldn't, and i wasn't going to force it. the edge of the piston is a little over 2 inches from the the edge to the back of the caliper, and between 1/8-1/4 inch of the the actual piston is showing beyond the seal. what is the problem, why is there so much material? i cant put the old pads back on because they covered in grease, gas, and brake fluid. i tried bleeding the caliper to see if there was pressure in there, and it didnt help. am i missing a step? ive never had an issue like this before on the cars and motorcycles ive worked on before

 

The piston should go in and be almost flush with the caliper body. Did you try to open the bleeder and push the piston in? Does your C clamp close enough. Head to or call a parts store and see if you can get a measurment of thier pads. If it is the same with what you got then you know your problem is elsewhere.

 

theres probably some buildup on the piston, sometimes they can be quite awnery to get them pushed all the way in. when i change brake pads i will use a pry bar wedged between the caliper and old pads and push the piston back in before removing the pads. you have to be careful when doing it that way but, i find it's much easier. Sick

 

we got it. there musta been a lot of crap built up because it required some coorsive hammering to get them back. i used a slab of mild steel to lay flush against it, and used a steel rod to rach down past the outer part of the caliper. we got the pads in, calipers bolts in, and hoses reconnected all the while fighting 40-50mph wind gusts in a garage made of tarps and 2x4's. to do the rear, im lowering the front onto 6x6 wood blocks, and then jacking up the rear so that way i can just walk around the car and bleed them all

 

Now didn't I tell you to rebuild those calipers? Be careful about those now, as there's a good chance that one of the seals in there is f*cked up from all the debris in there. And when you're pushing the pistons back in, did you use an old pad with the c clamp? 'Cause the clamp alone won't do ****, since the piston will just bind on one side from uneven pressure.

 

i used a peice of mild steel that i had made a chisel out of (it was flat and about the size of a brake pad), then got them pushed back in