RX-Ben

For pad changes on the AP T1 calipers (or similar 4/6 piston setups) - I am interested to hear if people are using a fancy spreader tool or doing some kind of wedging/persuasion method to swap pads and push back the pistons.

Thanks.

96CollectorSport

Ben,

I just ordered one of these guys through my Snap-On dealer, it's a Lisle 29100, - $50 on amazon - you should be able to get the same thing through NAPA or another local auto parts chain. I'm hoping that it will work on StopTechs. I should have it early next week - but I won't be using it for a while so I can't give you direct feedback, but it looks like it fits the bill.

Timz06

I put a screwdriver between the old pad and rotor and push it out before I remove the pads. It's pretty easy.

sperkins

That's what I used to do. Be sure to spray the crap out of the pistons or clean them by hand before you push them back in the bores. The pad deposit on the sides of the piston will cut the piston O-rings.(ask me how I know).

Bill Dearborn

This is what I use. Purchased from fleabay.

Bill

UstaB-GS549

I use a putty knife to push pads back far enough to pull pads out. Then a screwdriver or similar to push pistons back. If I'm installing new pads and need to get the pistons flush with the caliper body, I use my Craftsman 1/2" ratchet handle. It is oval shaped and turning in 90 degrees after inserting it pushes the pistons back all the way.

The hardest part is getting the pads pushed back enough to pull them out.

RX-Ben

This screwdriver method doesn't damage mar the rotor to any appreciable degree?

Olitho

Maybe slightly, but when I go 140 MPH into a corner and stand on the brakes it is all gone when I get back into the paddock.....

RX-Ben

That is what I was thinking, just wanted to confirm.

trackboss

1. Turn one pad 90* and use as a lever to pry the pistons (both at the same time) on one side.
2. Replace that pad with new one
3. Repeat for opposite side.
This works very well on 4 piston calipers with top access. 6 piston, or more, are more challenging. All pistons on the one side being worked must be held otherwise the un-supported ones will pop out. Monoblocks have limited top access so chances are a thinner lever must be used and placed between the pad and rotor..

Last C5

I use one of those too, along with a couple of old pad plates that I ground the remaining pad off of and painted red so I could find them quick. Pull the old pads, throw in the pad plates, and spread all six pistons evenly with the tool.

Olitho

I just ordered one. I hope it works well.


Oli

TheKomoman

Keep your receipts handy guys.. I got one of those a couple of years ago and when I tried put push back the pads on the rears of my nephew's Passat they wouldn't budge no matter how hard I squeezed. I got out my trusty C clamp, reverse a pad and they pushed back in seconds. The mechanism seemed to bind up under the pressure. Maybe just my bad experience so hopefully you'll have better luck. I'll just stick to C clamps and screwdrivers.

96CollectorSport

I've used the previous Lisle pad spreaders on the stock C5 and C6 calipers and they have worked well.

This one for the fronts:



This one for the rears:



I'm hoping this one works similarly well, I've used the 2 screwdriver method in the past and it works ok but want to give this a try. It helps keep me looking professional.

Scooter70

I've had this one for years and used it on all of my calipers. It might not be as quick as a squeeze of a handle but it works every time.



OTC 7034

$38 at Advance Auto
$32 at Sears
$30 on Amazon

JDIllon

I just use a couple of those compression type wood clamps to pull the pistons back, once the caliper is off there is lots of room to get the clamps in. If I don't pull the calipers, I just use the screw driver method. JD

taken19

What do you spray with, Brake cleaner? Does that have any long term negative impact on the o-rings if the dust boots are removed?

kmagvette

One of my best uses of $45, works great on my AP's...and now only $38.50. Search for "Volvo/Saab/Volkswagen Disc Brake Pads Caliper Piston Press Spreader Tool"

I have no interest in selling these, just passing along info

brkntrxn

I, and a bunch of others, use the two screwdriver method.

Hat_Trick_Hokie

Sorry for bumping up an old thread, but these are the specific tools I am looking at.

Any idea if the would work on the stock C5 sliding 2-piston front and 1-piston rear calipers? If I can but one tool for both axles that would be preferred.