Question on changing brake pads...

[swampler]

Wasn't sure where to put this, but the "how-to" seemed to apply.

When changing the break pads, I've heard you can use a c-clamp to push the caliper piston back in, but I noticed the service manual shows some sort of special tool for doing this.

My question is...do I need this special tool? And if not, what do you recommend? Can a c-clamp push in the pistons in calipers than have more than 1 piston? Should I put a piece of wood, or other item across the 2 pistons so the clamp will press them both in?

Not ready to do brakes yet, but I plan to do them myself this time around...will be my 1st brake job.

[Lingered_I]

You definitely have to compress both pistons at the same time. I would use a block of wood and a C clamp. They shouldn't need a lot of pressure.

[kanji]

our breaks aren't like the german breaks where, you have to turn the piston on a couter-clock wise while pushing the piston in is it? if it is the same, you may need a special tool to do the breaks. and if the breaks aren't the same, a large C clamp should do the trick, but reminder, pop your resevoir cover open so theres no presure building and easier to push back.

[russ]

it's not just german cars were you have turn the piston as it goes down.
i'm sure someone has the manual will pipe in but i personally think it will.(just a guess on my part though)

[Lingered_I]

I have the manual - there's nothing special about the calipers - just compress both pistons at the same time as mentioned above. The special tool shown in the manual is just an expansion device that goes in the caliper.

Similar to this:

[swampler]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Sounds like the c-clamp is the way to go.
Will probably purchase a 4" c-clamp when it comes time to do the change.

[Joeyo]

Originally Posted by Lingered_I

I have the manual - there's nothing special about the calipers - just compress both pistons at the same time as mentioned above. The special tool shown in the manual is just an expansion device that goes in the caliper.

Similar to this:

Can you give me some more information on this tool? Who makes it and the part number. I've been looking for a tool like this but the only ones I can fine are the cheap "brake caliper kits" for about $50. This tool looks better.

Thanks
JoeyO

[swampler]

Originally Posted by Joeyo

Can you give me some more information on this tool? Who makes it and the part number. I've been looking for a tool like this but the only ones I can fine are the cheap "brake caliper kits" for about $50. This tool looks better.

Thanks
JoeyO

I couldn't find the cheap brake caliper kits. I don't have the service manual in front of me, but I think it had a Honda part number.

[Lingered_I]

Originally Posted by Joeyo

Can you give me some more information on this tool? Who makes it and the part number. I've been looking for a tool like this but the only ones I can fine are the cheap "brake caliper kits" for about $50. This tool looks better.

Thanks
JoeyO

I found that picture on google images, searching for 'brake spreader'. I can only find a UK site that has a price of GBP18.75

http://websites.uk-plc.net/TOOLS_R_U...n_Spreader.htm

[kanji]

wow, The RL's breaks are dual piston (both sides), i thought there's only one piston that you can use a C clamp to push in?