Can a few people chime in about what tools have been tried to push the pistons back in when replacing brake pads. The main "How To" section on brake pad replacement shows the caliper being removed to change pads. This is a clear indication some people have no idea what their doing. Removing the caliper to change pads is totally unnecessary. I've used the bleeder valves to release pressure allowing new pads to be installed, but I'd like to know what the best tool is without doing this. Thanks in advance.

 

remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. just don't forget to put it back on.

The first time you step on the brakes, it'll go to the floor, maybe even the 2nd, and rarely a 3rd.

you're pushing the pistons back onto the rotors.

I've never needed a "tool" to push them back in, a simple push with my finger/hand seems to do the trick.

 

I use a set of needle nose pliers to push the pistons back far enough to drop the new pads in. I turn the pliers sideways to fit in and turn them so they are wide. I choose needle nose pliers because they are not sharp and wont damage the pistons.

sorry if this is hard to understand... I never open the plier, just stick both needles in and turn them like you would turn a screwdriver to push the piston.

Some people use a flat head screwdriver, but i wouldnt recomend it.

-Kyle

 

screwdriver between rotor and pad
push back toward outside of the caliper

 

I just use my fingers to push the pistons back in. I remember reading somewhere that if you can't push them back with fingers, then that is a good indication that something is wrong and the calipers should be rebuilt to prevent a piston from seizing in the future. That makes sense to me.

Obviously, this is easier with the caliper dismounted. I will sometimes take the caliper off to push the pistons back. This is also an opportunity to check the caliper-knuckle mounting bolt torques and put on fresh anti-seize.

 

I usually push them back my hand. remove the pins, put your thumbs against the top of the inner pad and push back hard. you should be able to get the pad half way out. then use the old pad to push the pistons back in. Install the new pad, and then repeat this method for the outer pad. All 4 pistons must be supported when pushing (either by a pad or spreader type pusher) if you try to push them individually you will keep chasing fluid from one pistion to another or you will pop a piston out completely.

 

I just take a screwdriver and stick it between the pad and rotor and pry the pad back into the caliper. This will push both pistons on the one side back at the same time. If you do one at a time, it will just push the other one out. Then once the pistons are all the way back, take that pad out and put the new one in its place. After the new on is in the one side, do the same thing on the other side of the same caliper. I do brakes on these style calipers on a daily basis and have found this is the easiest and fastest way to do them.

 

A pair of channel locks works very well use the handle end with the insulation on them one side of handle for each piston 2 at once.

 

My response in your other thread:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=225460

 

I use the first reasonable tool I find ...

... i.e. Channel locks, needle nose pliars, adjustable wrench, or a thin piece of wood.

l8r)

 

While the old pads are still in.....use two large flathead screw drivers...one on each side of the pad. Place a towel under master so fluid wont get all over as you back the pistons back into the caliper...pushing the fluid back up.

Apply pressure to the two pads, pushing them back into the calipers.

 

I want to reinstall the pads after track day.

 

I use the handle end of a 3/8 ratchet on each piston. Just my preference...

 

I ended up deciding on the Girodisc piston pusher http://girodisc.com/catalog/product_...5044e72e6d0914 . This tool seems to be something of a mystery (to most Evo owners). Very few people seem to use the correct tool to do this work. As I switch street and race pads quite often, I can't be using some half assed method. Just like cfdfireman1, I plan to re-use these pads. I can't be sticking some screwdriver or other blunt objects in to pry and push. I tried this once and had chunks of the pad material breaking off. This is not my idea of quality job I can be confident in. Thanks for the help Martin.

 

Great tool idea! Thanks for the link!!!