Brake Question for 97 Continental??

[ps7guard]

Hello everyone, I am glad I found this site. I am going to be doing the front and rear brakes on my 97 continental and I have a few questions. I have done brakes quite a bit but usually on trucks. Is there anything tricky on the continental that I should be aware of?

Someone told me that on the rear brakes I need a special tool to "twist" the caliper in.. and that the old method of just using a "C" clamp will not work on the 97 continental... Is this true and if so what type of tool do I need?


One other thing that I have a question about.. I have noticed that when we turn on the AC it works fine and blows fresh cool air, but then after being on for 5-10 minutes it has a funny smell to it. Anyone have any idea what may be causing this?

Thanks everyone.

John

 

[ground_zero298]

I have a 02, the rear brakes twist in, not push. I use a big pair of needle nose pliers to twist mine in, I was to cheap to spend 9 bucks to get the tool.

Can you describe the smell? If it's just dirty vents you can try some of this stuff. They got a couple other brands on their also.

http://www.autogeek.net/cleanairhigp.html

 

[MichiganTeddyBear]

yea, the pistons on the rear calipers will need a tool ( or needle nose if your lucky enough) to get them in. the cheapo cube type tools sometimes work, if the piston isnt too tight, otherwise, you may need to get the more expensive variety. Some of the autostores may 'rent' (loan) you the tools.

 

[bradyelich]

If it also is blowing warm air, your pressure cycle switch is gone. About a $30 part.

 

[mark0101]

Autoadvance has this $100 kit that you can rent from them. They charge you $100 and when you bring it back they give you your money back. That is what I do, It works out great. Just a tip, when you are twisting the caliper in and it doesn't move back in (rotates freely) use a C clamp to push it in a bit, (Its not going to look like you are doing anything but it works) and then use your tool and twist it back.

 

[ps7guard]

Thanks for the response and replies. I have needle nose pliers, but will get one of the tools for the job. Nothing I hate more than being in the middle of something with vehicle in the air with tires off and not having the proper tool for the job.

As for the smell, I cannot describe it because my wife is the one who smells it. It is continuous cold air, so I am thinking that since the car had sat for the majority of the last 3 years with only being driven once every month or so.. that it is most likely mildew and dirt in the ducts and just ordered the clean air stuff that "ground zero" suggested...

Thanks again