Im trying to find a tool i saw in the shop. One side measured brake wear and the other side measure tread wear. The measurement was read from the middle. Was this an automotive tool or just a tool that was repurposed???

 

take a look at toolsource.com- not sure if this is the combo tool you talking about. Its the KD tools 2326

 

Nope thats not it, it looks kind of like the "Milton Industries 448 Tire Tread Depth Gage" but is as thin as a pen and has a rod that moves through the middle of the tool.

 

Ok I know what your talking about. I think its a bmw tool. It can be ordered thru the parts department.

 

Figures lol i was pulling my hair out looking for it.

 

Check out toolsource again and look at the baum tools 341260. is that it?

 

If it is its an expensive little depth gauge lol. $84.17

 

I like the free ones off the parts truck. Plus I don't like checking outer pads on a mini as that will get ya burnt. Its always best to check the inner pad as they wear faster.

 

who usually has the free one? I know we have snap on, matco and mac that stop by. Dont you have to pull the wheels to check the interior pads?

 

Unfortunately that expensive little depth gauge is exactly what i was talking about....I guess i should just get used to shelling out absurd amounts of money on tools for the first few years.

 

I mean the free tire gauges lol. For brakes I only trust my eyes and inspection mirror and my trusty flashlight.

 

Ya you might as well get used to it cause before ya know it, your tools will be the most expensive possession ya have.

 

With the new software we have to put in the measurements for every scope I guess.

 

I look at this way. Every car that come in the shop should be lifted and check out regardless of the complaint. Brakes on mini's especially the rears tend to wear the inner pads faster than the outers so it make sense to inspect them with a mirror while its lifted. If you don't do this I can promise you will check a customers outer pad and tell them they are at 5mm and good to go and a week later they will come in pissed cause their light is on and they have to return. In my opinion that tool is worthless for checking mini cooper brakes.

 

The other thing I need is a special micrometer that locks and then you can slide it apart to get it off the caliper and keep the measurement...Im sure i could find that one but if you know of one off the top of your head that would be great!

 

I need the measurement to put in the service ticket though, I do agree with you though I am definitely going to make sure I check both sides when I am on my own.

 

I just use an old school one and get my reading while its still on the rotor but what your talking about would come in handy.

 

Yeah the guy teaching me is fresh from Germany....he's only been here a few years and he's been a mechanic for 15 or 20 sooooo he has some interesting tools.