Gang, I tried to replace my rear brakes last night, and ran into problems. The service manual said not to compress the piston back into the calliper by more than 1mm. Says it would damage the self adjusting parking brake mechanics inside. Well, my pads are worn to nothing, it has to go back much farther. I broke the handle off my piston tool trying to even push on it much at all. If this is the case, then how do I back the piston off enough to fit the calliper over new pads and rotors? I'm kinda clueless, I've done the fronts twice now, but the rears are a new setup than im used to seeing with the parking brake. The FSM isn't much help. I also have to replace a hub, I had all 4the bolts out, but couldn't budge the thing. Anyone have ideas on how get it out? I can't even get a pry bar on an edge anywhere. Gotta get this car inspected my the end of the month, and im running outta time fast. If I have to pay a shop, I will, but I'd rather do it myself if I can.
Any ideas on the parking brake or the hub are greatly appreciated! !
Thanks!

i had the same issue with the hub. if i remember correctly, we beat on it for awhile till it turned just a fraction then put the bolts in from the back and slowly turned them and it pushed it out.

im curious about the piston too, my rear pads are getting there.

What service manual are you using? the GM FSM gives the procedure pretty nicely.

Step 1: Go to parts store or Sears and buy the "cube" for turning in rear calipers.
Step 2: Take the pads off and use the cube on a 3/8" ratchet to turn the pistons clockwise (should notice it going in like its threaded).
Step 3. Put in new pads/rotors
Step 4: Smile

Tool I'm talking about looks like this
You can also rent a full set typically at the parts place.

Ok, I know the part. As soon as you mentioned cube, I knew. The manual specified a "spanner" wrench. I had no idea what they were talking about. I thought "spanner" was another term for wrench (yeah, I watch some Top Gear...)

Honestly, the weather is going to be pitiful here the next few days. (Working outside all the time sucks...) And it appears I did more than just twist my wrist a little bit. I had it turn the wrong way when I broke one of the bolts loose. Didn't hurt at the time, but now, after a day at work, its pretty painful. I don't think I'll be messing with anything heavy for a few days while it heals in a brace.
I try to do everything I can myself, but there'* a really good shop I take stuff to when its the middle of winter, or something over my head as far as tools or know how. I stopped by earlier, and hes gonna do it Friday. (We're supposed to actually get snow here.. ugh).
I like being able to do things on my own, but its gotta pass inspection soon, so I really can't mess around.
Hey, at least I learned something new today! I'll have to pick up a "cube" for future repairs.

i got mine from harbor freight for a few bucks if you have one near you.

what part of "upstate" are you from, i think they were forecasting some lake effect warnings for people on the typical areas

I'm around Oneonta (midway between Albany and Binghamton on I88 ). But more towards the rural area to the west. We didn't get much, just a dusting. But farther north they got a lot more.
But its really cold out there. It was 22 when I got up. And the shop I took my car to, their furnace had shut down. But they got it back up, and everythings good now.

I really must have busted my wrist up worse than normal. I already have complications, just from repetitive motion at my job, and typing so much there. But I can't twist it around at all (like turning a screwdriver), just too painful still.
But Jeff (the shop owner) is a decent guy. One of the last remaining shops around here that wont scam you, is really good about checking on things, labor rate is very fair, and he'* a local guy, so everyone goes to him. Gets most business by word of mouth. Knows everyone by name. Its rare to find places like this anymore. I'm glad he decided to buy it back from the company that bought it out years ago, when it was a family run business.

Turns out, they get the passenger side ok, but the driver side caliper was completely getting stuck, so they had to put a new one on anyway.
And it passed inspection. Barely. The rear tires just barely made it. Jeff (the owner) actually did it himself, since they forgot to write it on the repair order, and it never got done. The rest of the guys were on lunch, so he went out and did the inspection himself. Like I said, great guy. Has 3 shops in the area, and still has more business than he can handle.

So, shes good for now. Definitely gotta get some good tires on there before too long.

ive been to oneonta a couple times for work. it was like southeast of cooperstown i think.

Yup. I went to college at O-State. I work in Cooperstown, actually. Its dead now, but man, the summer in that town is crazy. I've been working over there for almost 2 years. Having Ommegang in your backyard is pretty cool. Their beer is awesome, and they put on concerts and events during the summer. Its about a 40 minute ride for me on a good day.
Its a longer drive than I used to have, but I transferred out of a store where the manager was a complete idiot, and drove me nuts. To be rid of that thorn in my side is worth the extra drive time. Its too expensive to live anywhere near Cooperstown. Besides, 146k on a series 2 3800 is just breaking it in...lol.