can't push piston back into brake caliper (Zuma 50 - 2005)

[typhon2222]

Hi folks,

I just picked up a used 2005 red Zuma 50.

The front wheel/disk constantly rubs against the brake pads. I can turn the front wheel by hand, but it requires some effort. Sure doesn't spin freely. Yet the brake lever is very soft/spongey.

So I removed the pads to look at 'em. They're both worn down, but very unevenly: one side of each pad still has lots of material, while the other side is worn down. As if they weren't sitting parallel to the disk.

I got some new pads, and just tried to install them. But the problem: I can't push the piston back into the caliper.

Couldn't do it with my fingers. Couldn't even do it with plumber's pliers -- tried it with one jaw on the piston, and the other on the outside of the caliper (with a cloth between the jaw and caliper, so it wouldn't scratch the surface). But no matter how much I squeeze, the piston won't budge. It's extended out, and won't go back in.

Can anybody help me out? What am I missing?

Thanks in advance!

[neo71665]

c clamp

[Mig66]

Put the old pad in and use a C clamp