Caliper Piston Press - Worth it for Stoptech Calipers?

[dmw16]

First off, mods, if this is the wrong place for a post like this please move with my apologies.

I was wondering if those of you who swap back and forth between pads (or even those who don't) think a piston press tool is worth it.

I found these two:
http://store.zeckhausen.com/catalog/...au8gudppem1b61
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

The GiroDisc one looks pretty serious and the snap-on one seems fairly reasonable (for Snap-On at least). I was wondering if you guys think these are worth while?

EDIT: This question is in reference to StopTech (and I assume similar aftermarket calipers with removable bridge)

[1MOREMOD]

for oem pads i just use a 10 dollars sears hand clamp and squeeze while still on the rotor. i previously used a 8 inch c- clamp. both work are cheap.

[Car54]

Dude...for the stock calipers, just use a beefy screw driver and pry the caliper carrier against the caliper. There was a video posted a few weeks ago...it's money! So much better than dealing with another tool...you'll need the screwdriver for the anti-rattle clip and to pop off the guide bolt caps.

[1MOREMOD]

yeah that will work also. didnt like that method when i tried.

[dmw16]

I don't love the screwdriver method. I guess I will stick with the c-clamp method for now. The girodisc tool looks awesome but not for $225 and its a one trick pony.

[Z K]

Those caliper spreaders are more useful for multi-piston calipers. The single piston on the M3 is super simple. You can use a c-clamp or any piston tool from the local auto parts store.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by Z K

Those caliper spreaders are more useful for multi-piston calipers. The single piston on the M3 is super simple. You can use a c-clamp or any piston tool from the local auto parts store.

I guess I should clarify that I will be using whichever tool on a 4-piston set of StopTechs...

[S65V8]

tekton 8 inch c clamp from your amazon.com. free shipping even.

[bigjae1976]

I use a $50 lisle pad spreader from amazon. Works great but it pushes on the tabs of the pads and I was hoping I could insert it into the caliper and push on the pistons.

But, it works great. Only issue is that if you need to FULLY retract the pistons for brand new pads on brand new rotors, you may have to wait for a second because the spreader has barely enough range of motion to get the pistons pushed all the way in.

I'd link my thread but nature is calling really loudly...

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by dmw16

I guess I should clarify that I will be using whichever tool on a 4-piston set of StopTechs...

With stoptechs, you'll need a spreader (or screwdriver). With OEM, c clamp works the best, as you can compress piston before removing caliper.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I use a $50 lisle pad spreader from amazon. Works great but it pushes on the tabs of the pads and I was hoping I could insert it into the caliper and push on the pistons.

But, it works great. Only issue is that if you need to FULLY retract the pistons for brand new pads on brand new rotors, you may have to wait for a second because the spreader has barely enough range of motion to get the pistons pushed all the way in.

I'd link my thread but nature is calling really loudly...

What am I missing where waiting a second helps the situation?

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dmw16

What am I missing where waiting a second helps the situation?

Pretty much. Would suck if you're pit stops are timed. For most of us...it works great.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Pretty much. Would suck if you're pit stops are timed. For most of us...it works great.

Sorry, my previous post didn't make much sense.

I am confused how waiting a minute makes it possible for the tool to push the pistons all the way back but the tool can't initially push them all the way back.

[apecush]

Sure the snap-on tool is pretty cool, but it is fairly easy to push the pistons back into the stock calipers by hand. Even easier with a $6 c-clamp.

[bigjae1976]

The tool is fully extended so you can't quickly compress the pistons. Not a big deal at all...just wanted to make that known. I love the tool, makes pad changes for fixed calipers with removable bridges super easy.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

The tool is fully extended so you can't quickly compress the pistons. Not a big deal at all...just wanted to make that known. I love the tool, makes pad changes for fixed calipers with removable bridges super easy.

So it's just a case of needing to run the tool all the way out to change the pads?

[bigjae1976]

Yes.

Here's my thread. I'll try and remember to make a video and post tonight. Forgot to update it.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=764270

[Car54]

Originally Posted by dmw16

I guess I should clarify that I will be using whichever tool on a 4-piston set of StopTechs...

Good info for initial post! May want to edit your post for those who actually search threads.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Car54

Good info for initial post! May want to edit your post for those who actually search threads.

There's a search function?

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by Car54

Good info for initial post! May want to edit your post for those who actually search threads.

What is this search function you speak of?

Wait, what's this:



Oh, that's the search function

Seriously tho, that's a good call and I will do that now.

[Car54]

[bigjae1976]