Compressing caliper
 

I am doing the rear brakes and cannot seem to compress the caliper enough or at all to put in new pads... Is there a secret????

2002 A4 1.8 T Q

Yes, you need the special tool that compresses and rotates the piston at the same time
 

You can rent one I believe from any auto parts store.

If you do your own brakes, ...
 

This is $40 well spent ... rotates while compressing.

<img src="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/40700-40799/40732.gif"><ul><li><a href="http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40732">Harbor Freight Brake Tool</a></li></ul>

Same one I've got...but for only $35 from AutoZone.

worth every penny....