VW Caddy Maxi - changing discs advice

[deansplit]

Hi

I've restored a couple of classic VW's and currently building a kit car so I'm fine with tackling work on my daily VW Caddy Maxi (2013). All 4 rotors are ribbed so have new replacements. Had a quick look at a vid and there's one part I wanted to ask about and if this is essential... see at 5.20 here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjCkI85UPs – says need a special tool to push piston back in. Is this a tool I cannot do without or is there a way of pushing it back in without it, or indeed, will it need pushing in at all?

Thanks for any advice.

[Krikkit]

In the video he's using one of these:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Tools-538954...

But you can use anything similar - G-clamps, big pliers etc. I've got one of the above specific tools, but now favour using a clamp like this as it's quicker and easier. I bought a couple when I was fitting a kitchen, but they're useful all over the place.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-633536-One-H...

[gazapc]

Get the proper wind back tool. They save loads of hassle and a bog standard one like suggested above should do the job.

How i learnt: first cars were classic VWs with drums, what a faff the first time I switched to a car with discs and didn't have the tool.

[underwhelmist]

I've done brake pads on my bikes before but I'm soon going to need to do the rear pads on my car. I believe this is a bit more complicated because of the handbrake mechanism, will the tool linked above be suitable for winding the pistons back in the rear calipers?

edit: Alfa 156 BTW.

Edited by underwhelmist on Thursday 15th October 00:42

[phil y]

From my experience of VAG brake changes, the rears will definitely need the wind back tool.