how do i reset the cylinder on the rear brakes when I changing the pads?

I have the same trouble with trying to change the rear brakeshoes on my Opel Zafira (with ABS): I have tried to wind the cylinder back by using a carpenter vice (L-shaped), placing the 2 pressing points one on the back of the cylinder (where the handbrake lever is) and the other one right on the mobile part of the cylinder, but in spite of my applying very strong pressure, the cylinder won't move! I don't even have enough space for replacing my old brakeshoes (worn out and thin ones!). Can anyone help? (Or I'll have to have the car towed to a mechanic's).

umberto
April 2008

The tool is called a "piston windback tool" but depending on what vehicle you have you might not need one as some pistons can be retracted by an allen key, some pistons have a castlelated top on them and these are wound in by useing a piece of flat metal, if your careful you can retract the piston by wrapping the jaws of a pipe wrench in cloth and carefully gripping the piston but if you have an Audi A8 you have to have the correct computer diagnostic machine!!!

nigel
April 2008