Retracting the brakes...

How can I retract the brakes so I can change the pads? Actually any help on changing the front brake pads in a 93 Lumina Euro 3.1 would be greatly appreciated.

the easiest way is to open the bleeders and squeeze the together with a big pliers then you might have to bleed the brakes but that is the easiest way.

Leave the old brake pad on the piston, Take a large C clamp and slowly push the piston back into the caliper. Keep an eye on the boot to be sure you dont pinch or tear it. squeezing against the back of the piston bore will not hurt the caliper.

Thanks folks, was very helpful.

DANGER if you force the piston back into the caliper it can cause damage to you brake system.

What sort of problems will/can it create?

crack the bleeder screw then it will go in easily. just remember to top up the fluid when your done

As long as we are talking about Front Calipers( Which WE Are) Retracting the piston back with a C- Clamp is the accepted method (Hayes, Motor MAnual , and is also how I was trained to do it in General Motors ASEP (Automotive Service Excellence Program). The reason you do not need to open hte bleeder is that there is no blockage betweenthe caliper and the resevior as long as the brakes are not being applied.
This is not the case with rear calipers with integral parking brake. In MOST cases the piston must be retracted by turning back in on the parking brake mechanism located inside the caliper.

Mark
EX- ASE Certified Mechanic

The easiest thing is to open the master cylinder and buy a big C clamp and then just hook it around the brake pad and caliper and screw the clamp tight