OK. I replaced my front brake shoes myself. First time ever! Woot! Now I'm ready to do the rear ones.

I understand I need something that compresses AND turns the piston to make room for the new shoes.

But... ...which one do I really need? Obviously if I can use a $7 C-clamp instead of a $40 caliper tool, I'd like to. I even have a tool called a Disc Brake Pad Spreader that looks like this and was only $5.

What I don't know is, will it (or the C-clamp) rotate AND compress?

Advice please? Thanks!

 

The tool I hear you can get cheap from Harbour Freight is the ticket although I took my time and compressed with a c clamp and turned with needle nose plyers. It worked perfect. Would have been easier with the tool though.

 

I heard it was cheap but the kit in my OP is $40. You don't need the kit, just the compressor twisty thingy. But you can't buy just that.

That's why I bought the other thingy. From Randy Webb's post, I think I might be able to use a piece of rubber or wood to make the cheapo work. He used a C-clamp.

WHERE ARE THOSE CHEAP TOOLS???

 

You can get the Harbor Freight one for about $20 if you catch it on sale. You could even try having the store match the sale price. I have done that on other items that went off sale before I could get it.

 

I've used a C-clamp for the rear calipers with no problem. You just have to tape the flat disc that flops around on the end of the threaded rod to the threaded rod so that they both turn together.

 

I've been on the Harbor Frt site looking for the little block to turn the piston in with... can't find it. Anyone found it and have a PN? Also, if you find something on the HF site you want, print out the page with price, if the price is higher in the store, they will honor the internet price.

YD

 

How about this?



You use it with a 3/8" ratchet and extension!

EDIT for Yo'sDad If it's this one, I found it here.

 

I just did a quick google and also found the same thing for less than $10.

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=7710

thanks

YD

 

Looks like the Borg from Star Trek.

Just don't let 'them' implant it in your head!

 

I've used Partman's suggestion on other autos. It is stinky cheap

 

I use a pair of needlenose pliers and some Mechanix gloves, personally...

 

RedScooter,

The last tool you mentioned, the square one will not work without modifications,
as the fingers are set too far apart.

Victor

 

I got the Harbor Freight one for $20 direct from the store. Check out thier website for a local store. If you have never been to one before you should check out thier store anyway they are great. (if you are into that sort of thing!). I just got my replacement rear breaks today, this will be my first break job as the fronts were replaced under as part of a service. I just managed to wear them out in time!

 

Guess I'm lazy and use the TXWERKS method...although I do own one of those funky tools.