This brake spreader is really terrific. Someone ran over my first one in 2009. I’d ordered a replacement before the sun went down.
Awesome tool thread
priapism
#2
I’m not a fan of specialized tools (I prefer things that are also other things) but given the frequency of brake jobs I do I snagged one of these when it was on sale. It’s similar and just so damn convenient.
The_Machine
#3
I have always used a C-Clamp. It just takes some planning ahead and pressing the assembly in while it’s still assembled.
juliancates
#4
No need for it to still be assembled. I would always take one of the old pads, slot it in the caliper against the piston, and just use a giant C-clamp to push it all back in. Super easy, doesn’t take a lot of time.
The_Machine
#5
True, but you can’t disagree that not needing to hold anything in your hands is better then juggling a caliper, pads and a c clamp.
Just remove your wheel, place c-clamp, open bleeder and compress. Now if you don’t push it enough is another story.
juliancates
#6
For the Girlings, I’d just remove the bottom pin and rotate the caliper up, so no need to really hold it in place. Probably more of a handful with the ATEs.
I’m trying to picture it your way… wouldn’t the rotor be in the way?
The_Machine
#7
I can’t seem to find this method anywhere. But I have been doing this forever. The disc is just another thickness. You are basically moving the caliper in the opposite direction of it’s adjustment.
Ranger
#8
<bursts out laughing… Dude, buy the brake spreader in my link. Then you too can laugh when people suggest screwing around with a C clamp. That brake spreader shoves the piston from fully extended to shoved all the way in, in like 3secs. I could not imagine fiddle-fucking with a C clamp instead.