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Disc brake pad spreader

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billymade

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Joined
Apr 2, 2008
Messages
7,461
Location
New Mexico
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

What I have noticed; some of the newer cars have dual piston calipers now... this makes it hard to get a c clamp in there and press them both down uniformly. With the correct tool; it makes this process much easier with the dual piston setups...
 
1

1Fast2G

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2009
Messages
7
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Way less cumbersome than a c-clamp. And faster too. I've never had the plastic handle break, but I've had one strip out the center threads. But I use mine all the time. Just get a craftsman one from sears, it a life time warranty. Its the same price as the one you listed.
 
S

Sh1thead

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
271
Location
Philly :(
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

They are sturdier then they look and feel, personally use the private brand tools 4 in 1 spreader and it works like a charm from everything from jaguars to e250 so far.
 
P

plung

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Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
562
Location
N. Cali
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

oldtools said:
I us this one.

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

The c-clamp and Lisle brake spreader won't work on Honda rear disc brake
Click to expand...

Would this cheapo thing work? Lisle 28600 Disc Brake Piston Tool.

Looks like you would stick a 3/8" ratchet in the square and turn to push in the piston.
41liGGjukiL._SS500_.jpg
 
X

xurusaibobx

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
365
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

i doubt that works some rear pistons are super hard to turn. ive been some of those rear brake compressor tools already.

the lisle is the best on the market however the dual piston one ive broke one before on a brembo setup.
 
A

ActAppalled

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 22, 2011
Messages
121
Location
Lancaster, PA
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Many VW's need to have the piston rotated correctly as it's retracted. C clamps will not work well on these situations.
 
OP
A

ajchien

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Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
2,649
Location
Los Angeles, stuck on the 60 freeway.
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I'm definitely looking for a piston pusher. Not a piston turner/rotator.

Although the spreader lennox posted looks Great, I'm wondering most about the durability of the spreader type in the original post.
 
M

MattPersman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
1,656
Location
Indiana
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

ajchien said:
Ive been using a C-clamp all my life to compress the brake piston.

And Even though I've seen this around a lot, I never knew what it was used for. Duh....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQU9K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is it truly better than a c clamp? Do you trust the plasticy looking handle?
Click to expand...

the plastic handle broke off mine years ago and it is 13mm hex underneath you can use a ratchet and socket, or wrench whatever, much easier than a handle

lennoxlennox said:
this is your tool.... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Click to expand...

yes this is good on many dual piston calipers
 
F

franzdom

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Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
3,136
Location
NC
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I have been using the 16" channel lock type pliers (SO), a bit easier than that first type which I also have.
 
R

RKA

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Joined
Jun 9, 2010
Messages
1,744
Location
NJ
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I've used the HF model for about 10 years. It will work on both the push and the push and turn style pistons. I've used it on a number of different makes and it's no worse for wear.

For dual pistons, I've always used a pair of screwdrivers wedged between the old pads before pulling them out. Recently I bought this Blue Point tool:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=&item_ID=651225&group_ID=675710&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I haven't had a chance to use it, but I like that it's a little more space efficient that the redesigned caulk gun.
 
O

Old Donn

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
1,585
Location
Michigan
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

plung said:
Would this cheapo thing work? Lisle 28600 Disc Brake Piston Tool.

Looks like you would stick a 3/8" ratchet in the square and turn to push in the piston.
41liGGjukiL._SS500_.jpg
Click to expand...

Yes, it does.

As far as these other tools are concerned, I've tried a few, always gone back to a C-clamp and a 5-6" piece of a hockey stick handle. Works best for me.
 
E

ericedelman

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 16, 2008
Messages
106
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I have this pad spreader. You can buy a generic version from the OEM that makes it for snapon. It costs less, but I can't remember the OEM name.

BTCP1.jpg


But I use this prybar a lot more:

Snapon MPBS11400, $38.

MPBS1140O.jpg
 
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t100

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Messages
6,101
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I work one a bunch of work vans all with over 150k miles. the small tool just won't cut it. I use Bessey clamps, bit pricey but it works good on old dirty rusty stuff.
 
O

Outlawmws

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Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Messages
39,081
Location
The Badlands
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

ajchien said:
Ive been using a C-clamp all my life to compress the brake piston.

And Even though I've seen this around a lot, I never knew what it was used for. Duh....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQU9K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is it truly better than a c clamp? Do you trust the plasticy looking handle?
Click to expand...

If you break the plastic handle, I'd guess you either have a stuck piston, corrosion behind boot causing resistance, or something like the odd VW rotating design that was mentioned as an issue. The piston should not be that terribly difficult to push back.

Having said that, I'm also in the C-clamp crowd (so far). :thumbup:
 
M

Macgyver_ga

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
265
Location
Canton, GA
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I just use a C-clamp and use the old brake pad to spread the load. Works well with 2 piston calipers like my truck has.
 
J

Jagmandave

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Nov 6, 2011
Messages
6,299
Location
Overland Park, Ks.
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Do you all open the bleeder valve or just push the old fluid back up into the master cylinder?

Opening the bleeder valve makes it much easier to push the piston back in, and forces you to at least add some new fluid.

I've uesd this HF tool for over 10 years now on all sorts of calipers, including those rear ones that need to turn as you push them back in, works a treat! $10 on sale when I bought it, I'm sure it's more now tho....

images


But I have to say, for front pads a lot of times I just grab my largest set of channel lock pliers and open the bleed valve (with a hose to a bottle to catch the old fluid) as it's quicker and easier than getting out the tool kit.
 
J

johnzcarz

Active member
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
40
Location
NY
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

ajchien said:
Ive been using a C-clamp all my life to compress the brake piston.

And Even though I've seen this around a lot, I never knew what it was used for. Duh....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQU9K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is it truly better than a c clamp? Do you trust the plasticy looking handle?
Click to expand...

I've had one for years - works great. It's put up with some abuse and the plastic handle is still intact.
If you didn't know already, you need to keep the inboard pad on when using this tool otherwise you will find many cases where the threaded rod isn't long enough to push some pistons all the way in.
 
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oldtools

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Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
2,706
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Jagmandave said:
Do you all open the bleeder valve or just push the old fluid back up into the master cylinder?

Opening the bleeder valve makes it much easier to push the piston back in, and forces you to at least add some new fluid.

I've uesd this HF tool for over 10 years now on all sorts of calipers, including those rear ones that need to turn as you push them back in, works a treat! $10 on sale when I bought it, I'm sure it's more now tho....

images


But I have to say, for front pads a lot of times I just grab my largest set of channel lock pliers and open the bleed valve (with a hose to a bottle to catch the old fluid) as it's quicker and easier than getting out the tool kit.
Click to expand...

The proper way is to bleed the fluid while compressing the piston. This would prevent debris going back up in the ABS and master cylinder which can cause problem.
 
N

NUTTSGT

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Sep 14, 2009
Messages
50,850
Location
Northern Central Ohio
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

billymade said:
What I have noticed; some of the newer cars have dual piston calipers now... this makes it hard to get a c clamp in there and press them both down uniformly. With the correct tool; it makes this process much easier with the dual piston setups...
Click to expand...

That's why I made the switch from a C-clamp to a C-clamp and a flat piece of bar stock. :dunno:
 
H

Hawk321

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2008
Messages
599
Location
Germany
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Go with the set "oldtool" is using...Does work even if you use it everyday 10 times!

HowTo:
OMG, never open that ******!!! There is no effort while you pressing it back...all easy work which a 15 year old fishstick could do.
 
J

Jagmandave

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Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
6,299
Location
Overland Park, Ks.
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I'm sorry, but you do need to open the bleed screw - no you don't HAVE to, but why would you want to send all that old crappy fluid back to the master cylinder? Especially since it's so easy - close the ****** when you get the piston pushed back all the way and you probably don't even need to bleed the brakes, although now would be an excellent time to do so, since you already have the wheels off and so on. You also might overflow the M/C, which can make a mess if you don't realize it till it's too late!

There's the right way to do things, and the "get by" way......
 
O

Old Donn

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
1,585
Location
Michigan
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

rlitman said:
I just use a c-clamp and one of the old pads. Why find a piece of bar stock that's the right size?
Click to expand...

Have dual pistons on my Sierra, using an old pad flexes too much, doesn't seat both pistons.
 
D

Dust

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
649
Location
Santa Ana, CA
I stick a prybar through the caliper onto the backside of the outer pad and compress that way. Almost always compresses the piston back all the way the first time. If I can't get a prybar in, I use a C-clamp and the old pad, or my big-*** Channellocks.

Note that I only work on one brand of car, and they use virtually the same style across the board. I only need a specialized retractor for the rear brakes on maybe one or two models.
 
N

nattyiceking

New member
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
2
Location
CT
Re: Disk brake pad spreader

lennoxlennox said:
this is your tool.... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Click to expand...

These are by far the fastest and easiest pad spreaders I've used. I also have the single piston. Bought them from Lisle off amazon. I work in a busy full service shop and everybody owns a pair. I had the plastic tab on the dual version break on me after a year. My Matco guy sells the same exact tool with no matco stamp so I was able to get them replaced no questions.
 
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srmofo

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Joined
Oct 15, 2009
Messages
6,161
Location
SW ohio
I use this style of vise grip. Just make sure you get the kind without the big feet on them. For dual piston just get 2. If they wont push a piston in , then something is wrong with the system. Less than $20 and its not a single use tool.

I also use them to hang the caliper/bracket from the spring when doing other suspension/steering work. If you are weldign an exhaust back together, they can hold the pipes together. Handy things to have around even if you dont want to push pistons back in with them.
 
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