Brake caliper tool....

[Maximus1966]

Anyone ever use one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wheel-disc-brake-piston-tool-95713.html

Please 'splain to me how to use it.

 

[pottymouth]

IMO, they are total garbage. You find the pins that most closely match the indents in the caliper piston face and then use a ratchet handle inserted in the other end to screw the piston back in. The cube type really like to slip and you either begin to damage the face of the piston or take a nice chunk out of your hand.

While I don't personaly care for Harbor Freight, you would be well advised to spend the extra money on this:

[URL]http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html[/url]

Or, you could just borrow the kit from places like Autozone.

 

[Eddie]

On my two piston calipers, I use a C clamp and a piece of wood that is about 1"X .25" by 6 inches long. Will this approach work in this application?

 

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
On my two piston calipers, I use a C clamp and a piece of wood that is about 1"X .25" by 6 inches long. Will this approach work in this application?


These tools are for use with calipers whose pistons must be screwed back in. Typically on rear disc brakes in which the parking brake is integrated into the caliper.

 

[Eddie]

I am informed. Thank you pottyman. My Older Saabs had screw in caliper pistons and there was a tool for that OR you could use and pair of angled snap-ring-plyers.

 

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I am informed. Thank you pottyman. My Older Saabs had screw in caliper pistons and there was a tool for that OR you could use and pair of angled snap-ring-plyers.


Actually, I looked at the kit I linked to a little more closely. It does seem to have attachments for standard calipers, but I don't see an advantage for dual piston calipers. I have seen this tool:

[URL]http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-25750-Piston-Caliper-Compressor/dp/B0002SQUTU[/url]

It seems like a waste of money to me. I usually use two c-clamps on my Subaru and just alternate 2 turns on each.

 

[09_GXP]

I prefer a pair of needle nose pliers to screw the pistons back in.