I changed pads on the rear disks, a procedure I've been through a couple of dozen times on other cars. You've heard the phrase that a little knowledge is dangerous? The short version of this story is that I thought the piston needs to be compressed back into the caliper with a C clamp, just like I've done it on every other pad replacement job I've done. It wasn't until I got the piston most of the way compressed that I decided that it just shouldn't have this much resistance. I got out the book and read the part about using needle nose pliers to turn the piston - I felt sick. I've checked the wear on the new rotors and it seems to be even on both sides and pedal pressure seems normal. Just looking for opinions on how much probable damage I've done (go easy on me) and if I should just throw that caliper away and buy an new one.

if they still work you're allright.

should be ok .... Try doing rear calipers on a Miata .... they look just like press in ,, but they are not ... you have to pull a plug in the back and back off the allen bolt ...a really strange one !!

Yep, if they still are functioning peoperly, you are in the clear.

Bailador, I'm really getting a kick out of the title of the thread! I'll leave the real responses to others more edumakated than me. :biggthump

should be ok .... Try doing rear calipers on a Miata .... they look just like press in ,, but they are not ... you have to pull a plug in the back and back off the allen bolt ...a really strange one !!

yup. doing my mothers miatas breaks this weekend.

yea that must be a mazda thing. i had a protege with the plug/allen screw thing... kinda weird