Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Defender => Topic started by: vtrdaz on October 02, 2008, 21:26:53

Title: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: vtrdaz on October 02, 2008, 21:26:53
I'm about to renew the front disk's on my 90 - what the best way to compress the pistons back into there bores.
I've seen tools for sale - if that's the better way , whats a good tool?

Cheers

Darren
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: davidlandy on October 02, 2008, 21:27:46
a big screwdiver or a crowbar for me
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: mass199 on October 02, 2008, 21:31:41
Crowbar/big screw driver :dance:
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: tack43 on October 02, 2008, 22:14:07
I agree, however, your can use pliers or water pump pliers to start. Clamp between pad and edge on caliper. Loosens pad at same time  ;)
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: Range Rover Blues on October 02, 2008, 23:59:01
I use water pump plyers if I can that way I don't have to lever against the disk.
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: marky on October 03, 2008, 10:01:58
Once the caliper is off its mounting I use a g clamp and a piece of wood so i don't damage the piston. Don't forget to take the top off of the fluid resevoir!
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: andyb on October 03, 2008, 10:37:57
I would advise against forcing brake fluid back up towards the resevoir. If it has been topped up at anytime then it could overflow. (Speaking from a general car mechanic point of view) Pushing brake fluid back up a system can also be bad for some ABS pumps.....and if you work on a lot of different cars you can't take the chance...so.....I open the bleed nipples when pushing caliper pistons back.

If you applied pressure on piston before you open the nipple and close the nipple before you release pressure then air cannot get into the caliper.
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: T30CDB on October 08, 2008, 11:55:35
Once the caliper is off its mounting I use a g clamp and a piece of wood so i don't damage the piston. Don't forget to take the top off of the fluid resevoir!
Alternatively buy a set of plastic handy clamps from B & Q they already have protective faces so wont cause ant damage. There easy to tighten and undo as well
Title: Re: What's the best way to compress brake caliper pistons?
Post by: Disco Matt on October 08, 2008, 13:28:37
I just used one of those brake piston spreader tools last time - much easier than crowbars or screwdrivers and without the risk of damaging the disk. If you take the lid off the brake fluid reservoir and keep an eye on it you shouldn't have problems with it overflowing.
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