I used the needle-nose pliers to turn the piston, too. It's super-easy, but just make sure you're careful with the rubber dust boot. It can get all twisted up as you turn the piston. My advise is to use those same needle-nose pliers to *carefully* pluck out the dust boot from behind the piston. It will be easier to turn the piston. It pops back in pretty easy. But again, be *very* careful.
