Hello,

I am getting ready to change the brakes on my 2010 MCS soon and I saw this tool in the "brake parts" section of this website. I was wondering if any of you have changed your own brakes before and needed this tool to complete your installation? Would I just be able to use a "C-Clamp" to push the piston back in? I just want to make sure I have everything I need when I go to change them in a couple weeks.

Thanks!

 

Assuming Gen2 rear brakes are like Gen1 rears, you need to both rotate and compress the pistons; that is what the 'special' tool does.

 

Most auto parts store sell this tool and some have a universal square block that attaches to your ratchet for under $10.00 It is not so much about pushing it in as it turns in, so never use a c clamp or you will ruin them.

 

No you can't just compress the rear piston with a c-clamp. You can use it on the front but the rears require the tool. You'll damage the caliper that way if you succeed at all. The caliper has to twist while its being pressed in. Some people have managed without the tool but its really rough without it. Harbor freight sells the tool for ~$35 or you can use it for free if you "rent" it from a local auto parts store like advance or autozone. They typically have tool rental programs

 

Looks like this

 

Thanks everyone! I will definitely use the "special tool" whether I have to buy it or rent it.

 

Omg, just use a C-clamp...done and done

 

You CAN'T! It does not push in, it screws in.

 

Haha...wow...do you have a clue about how anything works?

A c-clamp will work as I have used it many times on my rear calipers...as you tighten the clamp(righty-tighty) the caliper piston will retract as it needs to go in the same direction you're turning the clamp.
The only issue is if the clamp has a "floating" head on it, you will need to wrap it to the lead screw with electrical tape so they both turn together.

 

 

I guess using the right tools for the right job is not your cup of tea Turbo.

 

I actually have the tool, different than the one you posted...the one that Bavarian Autosport sells...



I'm not trying to give you a hard time in every thread you post in, but if you give incorrect info, then I have to chime in and give the correct info.

It's fine if you don't work on your own car and don't know what works and what doesn't, you're not the only one out there...just be conscious about your posting.

What if some newbie came in this thread with the same question and read that the special caliper piston tool is all he could use, while he actually had a C-clamp that would work in his tool box. His car was his only ride and he had to go to work or school the next day...or give someone a ride somewhere, etc...that's all I'm saying.
Make sure you know 100% what you're talking about.

 

[QUOTE=Turbo R53;3790345]I actually have the tool, different than the one you posted...the one that Bavarian Autosport sells...



I'm not trying to give you a hard time in every thread you post in, but if you give incorrect info, then I have to chime in and give the correct info.[/QUOTE

get a life. I gave the right info and you just proved my point. Thx.

 

You will ruin the caliper... Rear internal parking brake units must be spun in as they are retracted..

Front calipers are far less complex.

 

Dude... Guy... Easy..

Electrical tape? I've had rear calipers that broke the proper tool.. And you think electrical tape is going to work to lock the head of the clamp down... Let alone not slip on the caliper's piston?

Just get the free rental from Autozone..

 

I've done it, it works...you guys need to work on your cars more.

 

Dan I guess you and I don't work on enough cars. You might want to school him in what you do.

 

You specifically stated..."You CAN'T! It does not push in, it screws in."...referring to using a C-clamp. When in fact a C-clamp will work if you don't have the tool.

I have a life, and apparently a much better one than you hahaha

 

 

I doubt you work on anything except a cafe latte while getting your nails done.

Nothing I do is ever half ***, but I would be scared of anything you turned a wrench on.

 

Its actually a Frappe.

 

BTW. I have had two cars featured in National Magazines. Sport Compact Car January 1996 a 1995 Acura Integra GSR and Vette magazine 1995 a 1993 Vette Convertible. Both cars built by me.

 

Sorry to the OP for this nonsense.

 

I've always had an entire piston compressing kit in my garage, so it's hard to say how well all the half assed and rigged up ways work on the Mini lol. I've done the little cube before(and it was still not that great), and I've done the slow and tedious way with pliers. If you plan to do brakes on your car or others' cars in any kind of quantity, get an entire kit. It's like $40 and is the quickest, easiest, and best way of doing it. I can try and find a link to a good one for you if you'd like.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piec...kit-69053.html

that right there is a staple in my garage. Whether you have screw in pistons, normal pistons, doesn't matter. I use it every time. Too easy/convenient/simple not to.