So I have tried everything in my power to get the pistons pushed back into there proper position to be able to reinstall my calipers. And nothing. And yes, I have the compression tool that I spent way too much money for and still the piston refuses to budge. I need help asap, my car is my job and right now the A$$ end is hanging in the air waiting to be finished.

Please help....

 

You have to turn the piston as you compress it. The easiest way to do this is with a large C-clamp that has a pivot head on it. As you turn the C-clamp, it should also turn the piston at the same time.

 

OK lets try the simple stuff first.

Do you have the cap off the master cylinder?

If not take it off.

If that doesn't work open the bleeder on the offending caliper.

If that doesn't work you have seized pistons, but that is not likely.

Edit...DOH Yes you need to turn the piston as it goes back in. That is because of the parking brake mechanism.

 

you can also go to any autozone, they have a universal brake caliper tool kit that has one that fits the MINI, use that, return it, get your deposit back, and you are done

 

Speaking of parking brake & simple make sure the brake is off.

Wish I had know that. Did buy one from Harbour Freight for $20, so not too bad. soccergolf55 if your tool (or the AutoZone one) is like mine, when you turn the handle it both turns the piston and pushes it in. Sometimes the sync is bad and it pushes more then it turns. This causes it to bind up. Just back off the pressure a bit and turn again.
In a weird way I hope this is too late and you're back on the road.

 

My special tool didnt work either,I used needle nose pliers in the dimples of the pistons to spin the pistons and push in at the same time. then use a c-clamp to retract the piston. Be sure c-clamp is centered on piston. Hope this helps. Jeff E

 

well, mine worked perfectly, just put it in there, and turned away, never had a lock up. I ended up buying the Autozone tool. I also have the Audi/VW specialty tool, but the pegs are too far apart for the MINI. The Autozone one works just as well as the VAG one.

 

I have used the Harbor Freight tool. It's worked well for me. What I like are the variety of caliper sizes it will work on. In the past I have also used the needle nosed plier technique. While not very elegant it did work.