[jjasper]

Okay, I read the information thread on brakes and rotors and it is great. I did my front brakes last weekend. Easy except for those bracket bolts. Extremely difficult to remove. Let's just say a c clamp and concrete block gave me the momentum I needed to remove them.

Anyway, I've got a question about the back. I don't have a caliper tool and the write-up says you can also use needle nose pliers with a little more difficulty. Exactly how do you use the pliers to compress and turn the caliper piston??? I don't want to try it until I'm confident in my abilities. Thanks,

jjasper

 

[vista_cruiser]

Find the tool! Using the pliers sucks plain and simple. Autozone and other parts stores rent the tool you need out for free, take advantage of it. If not one canbe purchased off of ebay for around $40. Let me say it one more time: use the tool and life will be good.

 

[Tom Parish]

A good mechanic uses the right tools.

 

[Glucks]

Ok unless you are in the middle of nowhere you should be able to find this tool for free. So if Vista Cruiser and Tom didn't convince you let me repeat just get the tool.

 

[Antoddio]

Get the tool.

 

[Gord]

Ok,if you are stuck take off the rotorand remount the caliper. Make sure the axle is on sturdy jack stands. Don't rely on the jack. Open the tit to release pressure on the fluid. Place the ends of needle nose pliers in the depressions in the piston. A nut or stone in the jaws to keep them open helps. Push and turn so that the piston moves back into the cylinder. You may have to clean off the ridge on the outside of the rotor to remove the pads in the first place.

 

[Antoddio]

I tried using the pliers before...never could get it to work. Even with the bleed nipple open.

 

[blakwag]

I used the pliers one time. It'll work for just a couple turns, but after that it's just a PITA. Use the tool.

 

[Harvey Wallbanger]

Will any of these do?

Klan tool
Brake cube
Metal Nerd

Quite a price differential.

 

[mghunt]

I used needlenose pliers with good results. You have to turn the piston and then compress it with a clamp, turn, compress, turn, compress, turn, compress, etc....until you have enough room to get the new pads in there.

The recommended tool is defintely the best option though.

-Mark

 

[blakwag]

You can borrow one from Autozone for free. If I had to buy one, I'd get the one from Metal Nerd. They have awesome customer service. :thumbup:

 

[TwoManyPassats]

The MetalNerd one looks a bit cheap, but has one nice feature. You can get the plate really close to the pusher. If you let your brakes go too long some tools won't fit until you run the piston in a bit by hand. The thin spanner is a nice bonus. Beats grinding the face of one of your good wrenches.

I've seen that cube one before. It looks like a good idea, but I doubt it really works.

Will any of these do?

Klan tool
Brake cube
Metal Nerd

Quite a price differential.

 

[JEB23]

A good mechanic uses the right tools.

True, True...I wish I had a Dollar for every time I heard my Father say that!

I bought the Caliper tool and I actually have another set brand new (I bought two) if anyone is interested. I picked the set up from Harbour Freight for $19.99 on sale. It sells normally for $39.99. I'll let it go for what I paid plus whatever shipping is.

 

[jjasper]

brake caliper tool

I did end up borrowing one from Autozone. Thanks guys for the assist. This was my first brake job and it seems to have went without too much of a hitch.

And about the good mechanic comment... I'm not. :lol:

jjasper

 

[vista_cruiser]

Did you try it with the needle nose for fun?

 

[colorick]

Did you try it with the needle nose for fun?

"Fun"? Did he really just say fun? Oh I hope not... :banghead: