Pad Spreader (Fixed Caliper)

[RamFan]

Morning gents.

I’ll be doing a pad and rotor replacement on the Giulia soon which has 4 piston Brembo fixed calipers. My go-to C-Clamp won’t cut it to compress the pistons. I was going to pick up this Lisle Spreader but am seeing more and more of this style pop up. For half the cost, it’s tempting, but I have my doubts. Anyone have experience on what has worked best for them?

 

[atikovi]

I have this style that gets into tight spaces better than those others.

 

[CST Q]

This is what I used on my 2014 Tacoma when I replaced the pads and rotors (not as cool as a Guilia or Brembos but still had a fixed 4 piston caliper ). Worked great!!https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-2...651414453&sprefix=caliper+sprea,aps,86&sr=8-7

 

[AutoMechanic]

I like the Lang ratcheting style for that particular type of caliper. Like the second one you linked. Otherwise my go to is the pistol style.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Screwdrivers wedged in does the trick on our GS. If I were doing it more often I would get a spreader tool.

 

[greenjp]

Screwdrivers wedged in does the trick on our GS. If I were doing it more often I would get a spreader tool.

I have one of the "universal" type sets from Amazon, works well on all the types I've encountered (note I've never done something with multiple pistons etc). Not as slick as those ratcheting types but good for the price. I do one brake job every year and a half or so (ie not that often); but the first time I had this I kicked myself for not getting it sooner. So much nicer to use than C clamps, pry bars, needle nose pliers, etc.

jeff

 

[JTK]

I have one like the second one you linked to and use it on every brake job I do.

 

[D60]

I like the Lang ratcheting style for that particular type of caliper. Like the second one you linked. Otherwise my go to is the pistol style.

The cool thing about his second link is that it includes both "sizes" of plates.

I've got an AP and the Lang - one is big, one is small, but ultimately it's 2 separate tools which may be unnecessary. Certainly takes more space in the drawer....

 

[Hall]

A semi-popular mechanic on YouTube uses that ratcheting, spreader type and seems to really like it.

 

[RamFan]

Thanks for the quick replies! I’ll give the ratchet style a shot.

 

[paulo57509]

I used one like this (K-D) when disc brakes were starting to become mainstream.

You needed to have a gorilla grip to make it work. I threw it in the back of the tool box and bought a few c-clamps.

 

[bdcardinal]

I have this one from Girodisc.

 

[D60]

I have this one from Girodisc.

A mere $225....

but now I want it

 

[bdcardinal]

A mere $225....

but now I want it

It was an impulse purchase and has been totally worth it.

 

[KCJeep]

Is this your first brake job on the Giulia? If you haven't already read up on it, be sure you're savvy on the "brake service mode" as it's given a few guys some headaches.

 

[RamFan]

Is this your first brake job on the Giulia? If you haven't already read up on it, be sure you're savvy on the "brake service mode" as it's given a few guys some headaches.

Yes sir, first time.

I’ll definitely be following the instructions to a T, including proper battery disconnect, etc. The sensors in this car can be a real PITA. In fact, I’m swapping the pads early to avoid the pad wear sensor from tripping, if it trips it can only be reset by the dealer and I’ll be ****ed if I pay them another 30 min labor for a dash light reset.

 

[KCJeep]

All the extra technology they dream up is not always a good thing, your post is case in point. On the flip side for the oblivious owner they could be otherwise clueless they needed brakes so I see how all the nanny's get on there.

Which dealer have you been using (when necessary)? I hope it's a good one, they are not all created equal that's for sure.

I'd bet a Chrysler/Ram dealer could reset your light for less if you ended up with that problem.

 

[RooflessVW]

Yes sir, first time.

I’ll definitely be following the instructions to a T, including proper battery disconnect, etc. The sensors in this car can be a real PITA. In fact, I’m swapping the pads early to avoid the pad wear sensor from tripping, if it trips it can only be reset by the dealer and I’ll be ****ed if I pay them another 30 min labor for a dash light reset.

Wear sensors?

If they're single wire throw them away. If they're dual wire cut and crimp them together.

 

[RamFan]

All the extra technology they dream up is not always a good thing, your post is case in point. On the flip side for the oblivious owner they could be otherwise clueless they needed brakes so I see how all the nanny's get on there.

Which dealer have you been using (when necessary)? I hope it's a good one, they are not all created equal that's for sure.

I'd bet a Chrysler/Ram dealer could reset your light for less if you ended up with that problem.

If I need them involved (only been for warranty and recall work) the service dept. has been decent, but I don’t trust them nor would I recommend them. Given the small Alfa footprint, we’ve got our backs to the wall a bit. I go to Zeigler Alfa & Maserati in Schaumburg, if I need another dealer visit I may visit one of the other options but each of those is another 30 min away.

Regarding CDJR dealers, I’ve tried a few in the area for oil light resets and they won’t even let me utter the name before cutting me off. Heck, I tried to get a drain plug from one of them and they refused to even pull up the P/N saying that it’s Alfa specific. This is just my area though, I’ve read of other areas being much more receptive.

I would have absolutely no issues with all the sensors if I could access them using a scan tool. But because they installed SGW in 2018, I have zero access unless I bypass the SGW and get MultiECUscan. I genuinely don’t understand the legality of the practice, but that’s for another day…

 

[KCJeep]

Appreciate that thoughtful explanation. That is odd about the CJDR dealers, perhaps they get pressure from FCA or now Stellantis not to cross that line. I've heard of a few being very receptive though.