I'm trying to replace my brake pads on my 2003 Protege 5 and I can't get the caliper pistons to go back so I can get the caliper over the new pads,is there a secret way of doing this or a special tool I need to use to get the piston retracted?

Rocky

 

Rocky, the front caliper pistons should push right back in. The rear caliper pistons need to be retracted back in with a set screw. On the back side of the caliper are two 14mm bolt heads. One holds the parking brake cable bracket on, the other does not seem to have any purpose. Remove that bolt and metal gasket/washer. I think is a 6 mm allen head socket/wrench needed. Inside the hole left where the bolt was removed, insert the 6mm allen and rotate counterclockwise untill the piston is retracted fully and allen wrench will get harder to turn.
STOP and install new pads.
Now rotate the same allen wrench clockwise while turning the rotor untill the caliper lightly locks the rotor from turning. Back off 2/3 of a turn counterclockwise. Reinstall 14mm bolts and done with that side. Repeat for other side.

 

Thanks for knowledge and help, I appreciate this forum that much more now!