Best tool for piston retraction

texastate · 11-12-2012, 12:01 PM

All,

I'm online looking at Amazon (for starters) for a piston retraction tool to make my brake pad change now and in the future, a lot easier.. Besides the C-clamp method, can anybody recommend a tool that will be solid for this ? I prefer comments from actual use..

Omerta · 11-12-2012, 12:27 PM

I wish I could remember the name of the tool... it looks like a flat head screwdriver that flares out at the tip and has about a 45 degree bend, it covers the piston and gently wedge it against the caliper you can even out the pistons easily. I have also seen guys use worn down pads to do this but I prefer the tool.

TC Kline Racing · 11-12-2012, 04:08 PM

A 'brake spreader tool' works well. That's what I use on all my brake pad changes. You can find them almost anywhere.

GTM_Challenge · 11-12-2012, 06:02 PM

I much prefer something like this:

KM3 · 11-12-2012, 09:38 PM

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GLQCKA/

Works well.

skxf430 · 11-12-2012, 11:25 PM

Here is about the best spreader out there.

http://www.girodisc.com/Caliper-pist...er_p_5970.html

kaiv · 11-13-2012, 07:31 PM

I'm a huge tools guy but honestly those are completely unnecessary for this particular caliper. Actually I think you guys are making your life more complicated.

Before you pull the caliper, wedge a flathead screw driver between the caliper and the carrier. Lever toward yourself until the piston is fully retracted.

grussell · 11-13-2012, 07:36 PM

I use the one from ZDMAK. Works great!

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.as...CTMP=1&LowCt=0

texastate · 11-13-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC Kline Racing

A 'brake spreader tool' works well. That's what I use on all my brake pad changes. You can find them almost anywhere.

Yah, I saw this one on amazon.. but not sure if it will work on the m3's larger caliper... It was cheap though

texastate · 11-13-2012, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiv

I'm a huge tools guy but honestly those are completely unnecessary for this particular caliper. Actually I think you guys are making your life more complicated.

Before you pull the caliper, wedge a flathead screw driver between the caliper and the carrier. Lever toward yourself until the piston is fully retracted.

Hmm, interesting.. newb here on this.. how does that action work to push in the inner piston to a neutral position..?

kaiv · 11-13-2012, 07:59 PM

You basically push against the caliper (which retracts the piston) using a screw driver as a lever against the caliper carrier.

I suck at explaining but it's extremely simple. I have a track day this coming weekend so I'll take pics or make a quick video clip when I swap pads.

As for the tool TC Kline posted: I have one I use on small calipers. I'm 99% sure it wouldn't work on the M3's large front calipers.

Sleeper519 · 11-13-2012, 09:00 PM

I'm waiting for the "M"-version of the Girodisc to come out...

You know the drill, it will have carbon fiber handles, look really cool, and list for $1099.00.

(maybe Dinan will market it)

texastate · 11-13-2012, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeper519

I'm waiting for the "M"-version of the Girodisc to come out...

You know the drill, it will be have carbon fiber handles, look really cool, and list for $1099.00.

(maybe Dinan will market it)

LOL.. Hey Sleeper, how is road Atlanta? I just moved to ATL..

texastate · 11-13-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiv

You basically push against the caliper (which retracts the piston) using a screw driver as a lever against the caliper carrier.

I suck at explaining but it's extremely simple. I have a track day this coming weekend so I'll take pics or make a quick video clip when I swap pads.

As for the tool TC Kline posted: I have one I use on small calipers. I'm 99% sure it wouldn't work on the M3's large front calipers.

Yeah, I just got ordered RS19's and got my Loctite Copper anti-seeze... I think maybe manual method will work once I get it all ready.. I'm sure I can figure it out.. If you do get the pics or method at the track, let me know quickest efficient way and I'll replicate that.

tom @ eas · 11-13-2012, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KM3

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GLQCKA/

Works well.

Think we just found a new tool for the shop. Looks awesome.

radiantm3 · 11-14-2012, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KM3

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GLQCKA/

Works well.

I use the same to switch out my track pads all the time on my brembos. Great tool and priced accordingly.

Sleeper519 · 11-14-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texastate

LOL.. Hey Sleeper, how is road Atlanta? I just moved to ATL..

It's great! I'm going up there this weekend for an MVP event. You should come check it out sometime.

bandit408 · 11-15-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KM3

I use this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GLQCKA/

Works well.

I use this one as well in the shop.

bigjae1976 · 11-15-2012, 06:11 PM

I don't think those spreaders will help get the caliper off of the carrier.

HP Autosport · 11-15-2012, 08:18 PM

We use something similar to this, one hand operation!

kaiv · 11-16-2012, 06:00 PM

Changed my pads today in preparation for the weekend. Made a little video. Hope this helps!

texastate · 11-29-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiv

Changed my pads today in preparation for the weekend. Made a little video. Hope this helps!

Just saw this today, kaiv.. Thanks bud, that helped.. thats really a cake walk.. I try without the tool and see how it goes i guess.

11-12-2012, 12:01 PM	#1
texastate Private 5 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Best tool for piston retraction All, I'm online looking at Amazon (for starters) for a piston retraction tool to make my brake pad change now and in the future, a lot easier.. Besides the C-clamp method, can anybody recommend a tool that will be solid for this ? I prefer comments from actual use.. __________________ 2008 BMW M3 E92 (DCT) ~ 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe 2009 SL65 AMG Renntech Stage 3 ~ 2007 GT3 - Silver/Alcantera interior 2009 Chevy Z06 - Carbon Grey ~ 2009 Audi S5
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11-12-2012, 12:27 PM	#2
Omerta rev limiter abuser 7 Rep 274 Posts Drives: '11 E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1)	I wish I could remember the name of the tool... it looks like a flat head screwdriver that flares out at the tip and has about a 45 degree bend, it covers the piston and gently wedge it against the caliper you can even out the pistons easily. I have also seen guys use worn down pads to do this but I prefer the tool. __________________ Showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace.
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11-12-2012, 04:08 PM	#3
TC Kline Racing 45 Rep 345 Posts Drives: Many BMW's & Porsche's Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Columbus, OH & Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	A 'brake spreader tool' works well. That's what I use on all my brake pad changes. You can find them almost anywhere.
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11-12-2012, 06:02 PM	#4
GTM_Challenge 270 Rep 2,946 Posts Drives: E46 M3, E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nashville iTrader: (7)	I much prefer something like this:
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11-12-2012, 09:38 PM	#5
KM3 Formerly K335i 17 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Redmond, WA iTrader: (0)	I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GLQCKA/ Works well. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 :: Jet Black :: Fox Red Extended :: Carbon Leather :: 6MT :: JRZ RS Suspension :: RD Sport Sways :: StopTech Trophy Brakes :: Cantrell Brake Cooling
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11-12-2012, 11:25 PM	#6
skxf430 Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 258 Posts Drives: Driving Miss Daisy Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Here is about the best spreader out there. http://www.girodisc.com/Caliper-pist...er_p_5970.html
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11-13-2012, 07:31 PM	#7
kaiv IG: limited.slip 328 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: E46 M3 in a 325i Touring body! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (31)	I'm a huge tools guy but honestly those are completely unnecessary for this particular caliper. Actually I think you guys are making your life more complicated. Before you pull the caliper, wedge a flathead screw driver between the caliper and the carrier. Lever toward yourself until the piston is fully retracted.
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11-13-2012, 07:36 PM	#8
grussell Private First Class 11 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2012 SG E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Valencia, CA iTrader: (3)	I use the one from ZDMAK. Works great! http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.as...CTMP=1&LowCt=0
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11-13-2012, 07:59 PM	#11
kaiv IG: limited.slip 328 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: E46 M3 in a 325i Touring body! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (31)	You basically push against the caliper (which retracts the piston) using a screw driver as a lever against the caliper carrier. I suck at explaining but it's extremely simple. I have a track day this coming weekend so I'll take pics or make a quick video clip when I swap pads. As for the tool TC Kline posted: I have one I use on small calipers. I'm 99% sure it wouldn't work on the M3's large front calipers.
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11-13-2012, 09:00 PM	#12
Sleeper519 Captain 68 Rep 869 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I'm waiting for the "M"-version of the Girodisc to come out... You know the drill, it will have carbon fiber handles, look really cool, and list for $1099.00. (maybe Dinan will market it) __________________ 2008 M3 Coupe / DCT // StopTech BBK 380/355 / Pagid RS29 / Motul / Apex Arc-8 / BFG R1S / Ground Control / MS filter / Performance spoiler / BPM tune // Road Atlanta 1:39.70 / VIR Full 2:10.87 / Barber 1:42.20 Last edited by Sleeper519; 11-14-2012 at 07:33 PM..
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11-15-2012, 06:11 PM	#19
bigjae1976 Major General 1570 Rep 8,075 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	I don't think those spreaders will help get the caliper off of the carrier. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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11-15-2012, 08:18 PM	#20
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3810 Rep 54,295 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	We use something similar to this, one hand operation! Attached Images
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11-16-2012, 06:00 PM	#21
kaiv IG: limited.slip 328 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: E46 M3 in a 325i Touring body! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (31)	Changed my pads today in preparation for the weekend. Made a little video. Hope this helps!
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