calliper reset tool
Discussion
I want to purchase a calliper reset tool so I can have a go at doing my brakes myself. I've been told having this tool will make life a lot easier.
from what i can see there's usually 2 types, one simple, one piece cheap type and one box kit with loads of different attachments.
has anyone used these before, im just a home mechanic so can I get away with just using the cheaper simple one piece option?
from what i can see there's usually 2 types, one simple, one piece cheap type and one box kit with loads of different attachments.
has anyone used these before, im just a home mechanic so can I get away with just using the cheaper simple one piece option?
What does your car have? Quite often a set of needle nose pliers can get into the caliper holes that the tool would fit in.
Usually (in my experience) it is only the rears that need turning or adjusting. Most of the others can be done with a G clamp and a piece of wood to spread the compression.
Usually (in my experience) it is only the rears that need turning or adjusting. Most of the others can be done with a G clamp and a piece of wood to spread the compression.
It's only handbrake calipers that need the piston turning. Trying to use a pair of pliers is a pain in the hand at best, and may be almost impossible on some calipers.
I have had one of the cheap ones for a good number of years and it's always worked well. The only downside I've found is that the thread pitch on tool does not match thread inside calipers I've used it on, so as you screw the handle in you also need to adjust the collar to ensure the tool stays firmly engaged on the caliper piston. Not a big deal for the occasional use it gets.
I have had one of the cheap ones for a good number of years and it's always worked well. The only downside I've found is that the thread pitch on tool does not match thread inside calipers I've used it on, so as you screw the handle in you also need to adjust the collar to ensure the tool stays firmly engaged on the caliper piston. Not a big deal for the occasional use it gets.
As above you need to know what kind of tool you need, I have used mine for front calipers when they are sticky too, but they are for rear handbrake calipers, meaning any bmw/Porsche etc with the handbrake drums don't need them at all.
Some cars that do have the spawn of the devil that is the combined handbrake caliper don't need them either, some old cars have a small seperate element of the caliper with seperate pads, and some cars eg. Mx5 have an Allen bolt that is turned to retract the piston, a lot of newer cars with electric handbrakes use an electronic tool to retract them. Then there are left and right threaded tools.
Some calipers are easier than others to fudge a solution to, I managed for years when the only cars I had with these stupid calipers were Audis using a pair of pliers, but now wouldn't be without my proper tool.
Don't buy the little cube with lots of different pin orientations, my dad got me one some time ago thinking it was a clever design, it would be if it worked, you can't get enough force down on it with a ratchet and there isn't room in most calipers to get it and a proper driving tool in there.
Some cars that do have the spawn of the devil that is the combined handbrake caliper don't need them either, some old cars have a small seperate element of the caliper with seperate pads, and some cars eg. Mx5 have an Allen bolt that is turned to retract the piston, a lot of newer cars with electric handbrakes use an electronic tool to retract them. Then there are left and right threaded tools.
Some calipers are easier than others to fudge a solution to, I managed for years when the only cars I had with these stupid calipers were Audis using a pair of pliers, but now wouldn't be without my proper tool.
Don't buy the little cube with lots of different pin orientations, my dad got me one some time ago thinking it was a clever design, it would be if it worked, you can't get enough force down on it with a ratchet and there isn't room in most calipers to get it and a proper driving tool in there.
Hi, i purchased this set from amazon to do the brakes on a Volvo S80, priced at 15.99, worked a treat.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Puregadgets%C2%A9-Universa...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Puregadgets%C2%A9-Universa...
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