If you don't have time to look up procedures on modern vehicles then you are a 2 bit hack that has no business working on modern vehicles. If your boss is the same way... get some training and find a new job because the shop won't be around long.
What do you folks use for rear brake calipers?
- Thread starter 53' Stude
- Start date
Depends on the type of caliper. Regular caliper I use a big C-clamp and just push it back it. If it's the newer type where the e brake is part of it, you need that little cube with the different points on them to twist/turn caliper back in while pushing. GM had these on their late 1980's Regal's and Grand Prix's. Real PITA. Now, there back again 
.... Gimme a top hat e-brake anyday. There like a mini brake drum set up.
.... Gimme a top hat e-brake anyday. There like a mini brake drum set up.Just for an informational piece, the tool in that link will not work on a 2022 Forester as the pistons need to be turned as they are being pushed in. UNLESS you have access to a bi-directional scan tool to put the brakes into service mode. I used this one on my mom's 21 Forester: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWND7XVR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
As an aside, perhaps my favorite term that I hear youngsters using these days is "crashing out." It's like the best new phrase I've heard in about 20 years.
A shop should subscribe to some type of service information such as Alldata, Mitchell, or identifix. It doesn't take much time to look up a particular vehicle and search for the procedure. I don't know how any shop would operate without this information, especially on modern vehicles.
I bought an Amazon kit like @shortyb listed. The 2 screw parts are different. One does clockwise, the other counter clockwise and fit all the adapters in the kit. Might be good for future. Looks like the HF Maddox only has 1 screw part for clockwise but the Icon has both.
I was too lazy on my last rear pad change on my Accord and just used needle nose to turn it back in.
I also have a version like the suggested Pittsburgh piston compressor that screws in for regular (or front) calipers. I use it with an old pad and works for dual piston calipers for me. I don't have any 4 piston versions yet to get that Lisle spreader version. If I'm not looking to brake flush/bleed I try not crack any lines or bleeders open.
I was too lazy on my last rear pad change on my Accord and just used needle nose to turn it back in.
I also have a version like the suggested Pittsburgh piston compressor that screws in for regular (or front) calipers. I use it with an old pad and works for dual piston calipers for me. I don't have any 4 piston versions yet to get that Lisle spreader version. If I'm not looking to brake flush/bleed I try not crack any lines or bleeders open.
The electric rear e-brake looks to me like it can be a PITA. But, it has to work off the same principle. My 89' Regal, you had to " pump" the e-brake pedal to spin out the pad, now it does it electrically. Still gotta be push and twist with the cube tool though. It's a PITA when the piston is semi-frozen...then you got problems..Knuckle bustin problems. I busted quite a few knuckles on those Regal's and Grand Prix's with that friggin cube. Those calipers aren't cheap either. You do what you gotta do to get that piston freed up..Bleed em, spray them under the rubber seal, whatever. I haven't done an " electric" one yet, and don't plan to. My cars have the " top hat" e-brake. Easy peasy.
