I was swapping out the front pads on the new JCW and the caliper retraction tool I used to use doesn't work on the Brembo calipers, it can't reach inside to get to the pistons. The Bentley manual says to use a MINI/BMW special tool number 34 1 050. I've searched online and I can't find anyone who sells that tool, if I did I expect it'd be expensive.

Anyone know of a source for the tool, or a good alternative? I've found various possibilities, like this: or this http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8031408/Brakes/Disc-Brake-Piston-Spreader anyone know if they'd work?

 

I have the tce plus 3 four pot so it is only similar to brembo. I just use a pry bar. Take out the pad on one side, put in a spacer, then retract it with the pry bar, put in the new pad and do the same on the other side. Use the rotor for leverage.

My Porsche track buddies use this method as well.

Seems to work well especially at the track.

 

Please take some pictures next time you do this... Thank you!!

 

Strange, every discussion I found out there someone always suggests using a lever like that.

I'm looking for a tool to do it.

 

Not sure I have seen one.

But that method works well for me among many others.

Have you tried Harbor Freight? They have brake caliper tools. Not sure they work on 4 pots.

 

I use the same prybar that I use for molding and trimwork around the house.
It's made by Sharkgrip. I've trimmed the flat end with a cut-off wheel to make it narrower to fit in my toolbelt. It's very thin and will slide in between the rotor and pad without marking either, then just gently pry and it forces the pistons back in.
It's about 1 1/2" wide, so I don't know how it will fit on smaller brakes like on our MINIs, but it works just fine on my Tundra and my wife's old Escape.
There are smaller versions if this one is too big, or you could always cut more off with a cut-off wheel. I've seen different versions of this bar at almost every hardware and big box store I've ever been to.

 

I assume that these are not the spin-in style calipers? I have a c-clamp that I use to retract the pistons on those. It doesn't take much pressure and it gives you a bit of leverage by using the back of the caliper. I will normally use an old pad on the piston side to press against.

 

They're not spin in calipers. I got the tool I found on , it seems to work, though not as I expected. It works on the metal tabs on the pads, see the photo below.

Below that is a picture of the pistons, so you can see what I'm up against.