I'm having real problems - I've put the discs on, new pads in, but then I can't fit the caliper on! I've tried winding the piston back in but it takes ages and I'm really struggling with it. I'm wondering, is there a special tool for this? And can I get it?

Cheers.

http://www.toolbuddy.co.uk/brake-service-tools-22-c.asp

I suspect you refer to the rear brakes here? The fronts push back easily with a G-clamp or similar. Make sure you remove the brake master cylinder cap & take care not to have brake fluid overflow on to paintwork in the engine bay.

the way i push the pistons back.

Is undo the cap were you fill the break fluid then get a hammer and use the handle to lever back on the piston and it goes back in with a bit of eaze.

Another good way is a G-Clamp as mentioned above

The rear pistons have to be pressed and turned. There is a special tool but a trigger type G-clamp and (blunt/worn) pipe pliers can press and turn the pistons.

This is the proper tool you need but unfortunately i cannot remember what its proper name is but its made by Draper. you can ether wind it by using a ratchet or a spanner

IF you have an ABS version, which the HGT is
I'd advise against pushing the piston back in, as any old yucky brake fluid is pushed back into the ABS unit

personally, i'd get a brake bleed tube, stick it on, open the valve, Wind the piston back in, That way Old manky brake fluid is expelled and you wont have the risk of it wrecking the paint

Make sure you shut the valve when you've wound it back in, otherwise you risk letting air in

Check brake fluid after you've fitted the new pads and disc's to make sure fluid level aint dropped too much

Ziggy

Sorry, yes rear brakes. I'm gonna replace the fluid completely when I've got the things on.

Cheers - I think I'll get the tool then as I really struggled with pliers.

I just remembered that I'd forgotten to slack the handbrake. Would this have any effect?

erm no it shouldent affect it it would only affect geting the drums off

Not slacking hand brake will stop the piston going back. A seized piston also stops it going back. Need proper tool or some wide mouth round jaw pipe pliers and a g-clamp, ideally the trigger type.

It's good advice about blowing the old fluid out via the bleed valve. I didn't on mine but it sure makes sense. You also get to spot a duff bleed nipple hopefully before its too late.