Cobra, M2300K rear disc brakes, HELP

[chaingang]

I am trying to install new rear pads on the 2300K brake kit I have installed on my 85 T-Bird Turbo Coupe. This is the first set of pads and I can't get the pistons to retract far enough to install the new(thicker) pads. Tried the usual C-clamp and a block of wood to compress the piston and it worked to a point then quit. The E-brake is obviously a ratchet of some sort because when actuated it leaves the piston farther out of the bore. Each time it is done the piston protrudes a little farther. A shop manual would help but I don't have one. Anybody got an answer.
Thanks

 

[Mustang5L5]

The problem is now that both the Cobra and GT use similar pads. The Cobra uses thinner pads due to the thicker rotor. Sounds like the pads you got were GT spec pads. Most parts stores only carry them so Cobra owners have to shave down the pad just to fit them over the rotor.

 

[Shakerhood]

I am trying to install new rear pads on the 2300K brake kit I have installed on my 85 T-Bird Turbo Coupe. This is the first set of pads and I can't get the pistons to retract far enough to install the new(thicker) pads. Tried the usual C-clamp and a block of wood to compress the piston and it worked to a point then quit. The E-brake is obviously a ratchet of some sort because when actuated it leaves the piston farther out of the bore. Each time it is done the piston protrudes a little farther. A shop manual would help but I don't have one. Anybody got an answer.
Thanks

You need a special tool to retract the rear piston in by rotating it. If you put a bunch of pressure on them with the C Clamp you may want to inspect them to make sure you did not fracture the piston!

 

[jrichker]

You need a special tool to retract the rear piston in by rotating it. If you put a bunch of pressure on them with the C Clamp you may want to inspect them to make sure you did not fracture the piston!

Right on target! Autozone will rent you the tool kit so you don't need to buy it.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Shoot, i read the post a little too quick and missed the part about the pistons not being all the way in.

The pistons on the rear caliper are screw in, not push in. You'll need the tool from Autozone to spin them in.

Mak sure when you are done the two slots in the face of the piston are in the 12 and 6 o'clock position