Is this a good tool for Rear Brakes?

[Wolverine]

I've replaced pads & rotors on several vehicles, but have yet to mess with any rear brakes. From what I understand, rear brake jobs are more involved.

Would a tool like this make those jobs much easier? Good tool for the rear brakes on my Bullitt? ....... and other vehicles?

What's the toughest components of a rear brake job?


Tool:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SK-F...606809903QQcategoryZ35625QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Any insight is much appreciated!

 

[Remi]

I use a c clamp to puch the piston back. That tool would come in handy if the piston has to be turned in.

 

[kartracer55]

There is no hard part to rear brakes... Only when they are drum brakes(then the job REALLY *****!)

My first thought was "what the hell is that" Ive never even seen one like that... Why not just use the traditional threaded "press" ? about 1/3 of the price too

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT265_pg26.htm#2

Ive used this style but dont own one. Only one of the cars has rear disks so it didnt make sense to buy them kit... just go to autozone and get the little adapter for your ratchet to screw it back in. Brakes ****, I make my dad do them. I just say "what happens if I mess up?" lol Doesnt work quite like that with oil changes.. I still have to get dirty.


Jim

 

[pl_silverado]

Rear brakes are cake, all i ever need is a set of needle nose pliers, and a flat head screwdriver, occasionally some one will bring around a big *** ford pickup where i might need some vise grips and a prybar. Usually doesnt take me more than 20 minutes a side, start to finish.

 

[Rickster]

For disc brakes I just use two screwdrivers and pry between the pads and rotor face to compress the caliper piston. Just open the bleeder if its too tight. For rear drum you'll need these:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-285.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-295.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-280.html

 

[kartracer55]

You dont ABSOLUTLY need the last one, but if your going to place an order, for 5$, why not? I just use needle nose pliers and grab the spring just before the top pin and pull them off. Hard? Kinda, but it can be done.


If you can, get one of the two sided tools for doing the springs that hold the shoes on. Two different sizes.

Jim

 

[wythors]

Being a veteran of doing rear disc brakes on a Cobra, you're going to need a tool as the piston needs to be rotated and compressed at the same time. The one Kartracer55 posted looks much more practical for your needs than the Facom tool. I made the mistake of buying the cheapo Craftsman cube style tool that fits on your ratchet. Absolutely worthless. Luckily my next door neighbor owns a brake shop and had the proper tool to finish the job.

 

[Rickster]

That last one is my favorite! One end has a tang at the top and a quick rotating of the tool will pop the brake return springs off, Then for installation just reverse the tool and the other end has a small divit that you center on thr post and pull up on the tool and the spring slides right back on.

 

[jstbecauz]

That is a good tool for the vehicles with rear pads and emergency brake run through them.

Keep in mind that using a c-clamp is not advised. I use something that requires a little more effort to get the piston pressed in, like a screwdriver, as Rickster stated. The reason for this is if there is a binding/defective caliper you will not really notice it with a c-clamp due to the leverage you have with the clamp.

Just a suggestion.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have the disk brake tool from Craftsman so I don't need to use a C-clamp. Probably overkill. I also got this at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40732

It was on sale and I cannot justify buying anything better for the limited use that it will see. You can usually find it on sale for $19.99.