Brake Pad Spreader

[mobiledynamics]

All of our cars have some level of BBK on them. Including the wifes. She's got my former DD which has a 8 pots up front...

Anyhow looking at 2 options to add to the stash

OTC 7034

or maybe one of these variants
A pic from ZD

 

[zendriver]

The first one one looks like a PIA, with the small points

2nd one maybe, much better. how much? I don't do a lot of brakes, so i use a large throat C clamp, sometimes 2.

 

[smittyjones]

You mean 8 pistons total or per side?! I'm guessing 4 pistons per side.

I have one of these, and it works on almost everything. The only time it doesn't work for me is when I don't spread them with a prybar/screwdriver beforehand, or super tiny rears and I can push them in with my thumbs.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I like toys, but I don't plan to buy the Girodisc.

The ratcheting is nice, but it's probably too big for most situations on how I change pads. Most of the time, I just remove the bridge clip and drop out, drop them in. Too big given the application

 

[JJThrasher]

I use this style

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Schurkey]

I own nothing with opposed caliper pistons, so a C-clamp Vice Grip works for me.

 

[kctyphoon]

I'd prob go with this.. I have a different lisle to do the dual piston calipers on my Honda, ( haven't used it yet) but if I were you I think I'd go with this. Watch the video, it's pretty slick.

Lisle 29100 Quick Quad Pad Spreader https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GLQCKA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the one I bought for when I'll need to do the brakes on my newer Honda..
Lisle 25750 Dual Piston Brake Caliper Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OHMS LAW]

The Lang is my favorite so far. I got one a few weeks ago. Loved it.

 

[ironmutt]

I'd prob go with this.. I have a different lisle to do the dual piston calipers on my Honda, ( haven't used it yet) but if I were you I think I'd go with this. Watch the video, it's pretty slick.

Lisle 29100 Quick Quad Pad Spreader https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GLQCKA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the one I bought for when I'll need to do the brakes on my newer Honda..
Lisle 25750 Dual Piston Brake Caliper Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

thats what i use also works great for most calipers except gm twist ins

 

[Loscaldazar]

The Lang one is my favorite. I have used it on an Impreza STi (Brembo 4 pot front and 2 pot rear) and it worked great. Not the same brakes you have, but they do work well for most BBKs.

 

[goingtoarizona]

I used the OTC ones as a professional tech for many years. Also used a c clamp. If you use this style, leave the pads in until you push the pistons all the way back. I recommend cracking open the bleeder and using a rubber hose into an old plastic bottle. This way you won't push dirt rust and **** back into your master cylinder and ABS. The bottle prevents making a mess. My last wrenching gig was working for the MASTER of OCD who has the CLEANEST repair shop in the land. The bottle trick is quite slick!

 

[1970W-30]

Another recommendation for Lang...

 

[ddawg16]

I must be doing it wrong.

I use a large pair of channel locks.

That same pair of channel locks also work as a great universal oil filter remover.

And pipe holder.....

 

[colin39]

I must be doing it wrong.

I use a large pair of channel locks.

That same pair of channel locks also work as a great universal oil filter remover.

And pipe holder.....

Me too

 

[Rich.]

This is by far the best one i've ever used;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BP7WH9Y/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Don't think you can get Laser tools over there but you might be able to find an equivalent.

Rich

 

[mobiledynamics]

Lang probably won't fit if caliper is not removed...
The whole BBK is drop in/drop out.

The Lang/Lista, afaik, review say it tends to ~bend~ under pressure

 

[geartow]

I use the blue point https://store.snapon.com/Disc-Brake-Tools-Press-Brake-Piston-Blue-Point--P643045.aspx

 

[crbnfbr]

The second pic is the style I use on my 4 pot Brembos. I made my own ghetto version but it gets the job done.

On the rear single pot calipers I just a c clamp or channel locks. Which will not work on 4+ pot pistons as the caliper stays completely mounted and there's two pins that get punched out and you just pull the pads out the top. Easiest pads in the world to change.

Take a look at the endurance races of the Australian V8 Supercar Series they can change all four front pads in under a minute. Plus, you gotta love those Ford Falcons and Chevrolet SS's(sorry I mean Holden Commodores).

Edit: Post #92 This is a racing style one, but for $225 that's a little out of my range.

 

[smittyjones]

Lang probably won't fit if caliper is not removed...
The whole BBK is drop in/drop out.

The Lang/Lista, afaik, review say it tends to ~bend~ under pressure

I've used them a lot for a lot of vehicles, and the only time I've seen one bend? Someone was pressing the brake pedal with the vehicle running.

 

[ddawg16]

I'm still at a loss as to why you need a special tool?

 

[JBradley500]

I'm still at a loss as to why you need a special tool?

Some people say you might **** the piston in the bore by using pliers and then that may scratch the bore I believe. I have done it many times using an old brake pad and haven't had issues but I do see their point.

 

[crbnfbr]

I'm still at a loss as to why you need a special tool?

To do a pad change on 4+ piston calipers they don't get unbolted, in fact you don't need a wrench or a socket at all. You need a punch and a spreader that's all. It's literally the easiest pad change you could do. You can't use a pliers because it's like .5" from the rotor to the pistons. There's just not enough room to get the pliers down to the piston. Also, when you compress one side(2 of 4 pistons) the pistons on the other side come out.

 

[DemoFly]

Another vote for the lang.

 

[Jim Diesel]

I use them, i have a $20 pair. Not much to them, so can afford to go cheaper on them.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I've got Lang and Lisle. They both work great.