Pad changes for AP Calipers - Spreader Tool?
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Pad changes for AP Calipers - Spreader Tool?
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.
Thanks.
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Sep 2003
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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.
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.
#4
Le Mans Master
I put a screwdriver between the old pad and rotor and push it out before I remove the pads. It's pretty easy.
#5
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
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This is what I use. Purchased from fleabay.
Bill
Bill
#6
Drifting
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.
The hardest part is getting the pads pushed back enough to pull them out.
#8
Le Mans Master
#10
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..
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..
#11
Safety Car
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.
#12
Le Mans Master
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.
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.
I just ordered one. I hope it works well.
Oli
#13
Le Mans Master
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.
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.
#14
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Sep 2003
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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.
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.
#15
Le Mans Master
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
OTC 7034
$38 at Advance Auto
$32 at Sears
$30 on Amazon
#16
Melting Slicks
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
Last edited by JDIllon; 02-01-2013 at 11:58 AM.
#17
Track Junky
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?
#18
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
I have no interest in selling these, just passing along info
#20
Racer
Member Since: May 2010
Location: Washington DC
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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.
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.
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.