Brake pad replacment (pesky pistons)

[thstone]

If the caliper is still mounted on the car (you're just changing the pads and not removing the rotors), the C-clamp should still work fine, just put the fixed end of the clamp onto the piston and the threaded end on the back of the caliper.

However, if you can't get the fixed end of the clamp in between the rotor and the piston, then you'll have to try to use something as a lever that will fit between the rotor and the piston to push the caliper back in without damaging the rotor or the piston. A piece of wood can work be used or a screwdriver with a rag on the rotor and a thin piece of wood or metal on the piston.