Is caliper wind back tool required?

[Vyse]

Tomorrow am planning on taking my rear calipers off to grease and clean as they are squealing. As I am not changing the pad do I still need a wind back tool?

[Megaflow]

No, you'll be fine, as long as you do not touch the foot or handbrake while they are off.

[PoleDriver]

Useful replies may be a little more forthcoming if you gave us a little clue, such as what car is it?

[Vyse]

I thought that would be irrelevant but it's a 8th gen civic.

PoleDriver said:

Useful replies may be a little more forthcoming if you gave us a little clue, such as what car is it?

[PHuzzy]

To be fair the first reply was pretty useful.
As said, don't touch the brake or handbrake and it'll be fine without one.

[Vyse]

Once everything is cleaned, greased and back in its place should I pump the pedal/pump release handbrake a few times to set everything?

[finlo]

Although you'd be better off winding it in and out a few times to give it some exercise to prevent it seizing up as they move very little in service.

[Megaflow]

Vyse said:

Once everything is cleaned, greased and back in its place should I pump the pedal/pump release handbrake a few times to set everything?

You shouldn't need to, but it won't do any harm if you do, so it's a good insurance policy.

[Vyse]

The caliper went back on fine without the tool. Did manage to snap a slider pin bolt though, FML.

[anonymous-user]

I don't even have a wind back tool, I've always pushed the piston(s) back in by hand! If they are really that tight, they need more regular maintenance.

[finlo]

Joef said:

I don't even have a wind back tool, I've always pushed the piston(s) back in by hand! If they are really that tight, they need more regular maintenance.

If its a wind back caliper no amount of pushing will retract it!

[Mr2Mike]

finlo said:

If its a wind back caliper no amount of pushing will retract it!

To be fair given enough force the internal mechanism would probably break and allow the piston to move in