Best tool for piston retraction

texastate · 11-12-2012, 01:01 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, 01:27 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, 05:08 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, 07:02 PM

I much prefer something like this:

KM3 · 11-12-2012, 10:38 PM

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

Works well.

skxf430 · 11-13-2012, 12:25 AM

Here is about the best spreader out there.

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

kaiv · 11-13-2012, 08:31 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, 08:36 PM

I use the one from ZDMAK. Works great!

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

texastate · 11-13-2012, 08:40 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, 08:43 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, 08:59 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, 10:00 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, 10:42 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, 10:44 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, 11:10 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, 01:01 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, 08:33 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, 03:42 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, 07:11 PM

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

HP Autowerks · 11-15-2012, 09:18 PM

We use something similar to this, one hand operation!

kaiv · 11-16-2012, 07:00 PM

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

texastate · 11-29-2012, 12:04 PM

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, 01:01 PM	#1
texastate Private Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 79 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, 01:27 PM	#2
Omerta rev limiter abuser Drives: '11 E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 260 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.

11-12-2012, 05:08 PM	#3
TC Kline Racing BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: Many BMW's & Porsche's Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Columbus, OH & Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 266 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. __________________ www.tcklineracing.com\| kale@tcklineracing.com\| 614-771-7744 \|www.facebook.com/tcklineracing

11-12-2012, 10:38 PM	#5
KM3 Formerly K335i Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 209 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

11-13-2012, 10:00 PM	#12
Sleeper519 Lieutenant Drives: 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 506 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 / Nitto NT-01 275s / Ground Control / MS filter / Performance spoiler / BPM tune // Road Atlanta 1:41.92 / VIR Full 2:13.82 / Barber 1:45.96 Last edited by Sleeper519; 11-14-2012 at 08:33 PM.

11-12-2012, 07:02 PM	#4
GTM_Challenge BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E92 M3,X5M,F30 335 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,171 iTrader: (6)	I much prefer something like this:

11-13-2012, 12:25 AM	#6
skxf430 Private First Class Drives: Driving Miss Daisy Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	Here is about the best spreader out there. http://www.girodisc.com/Caliper-pist...er_p_5970.html

11-13-2012, 08:31 PM	#7
kaiv Major Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,117 iTrader: (12)	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.

11-13-2012, 08:36 PM	#8
grussell Private First Class Drives: 2012 SG E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Valencia, CA Posts: 118 iTrader: (3)	I use the one from ZDMAK. Works great! http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.as...CTMP=1&LowCt=0

11-13-2012, 08:59 PM	#11
kaiv Major Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,117 iTrader: (12)	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.

11-15-2012, 07:11 PM	#19
bigjae1976 Brigadier General Drives: 04 330Ci, 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 4,046 iTrader: (8)	I don't think those spreaders will help get the caliper off of the carrier. __________________

11-15-2012, 09:18 PM	#20
HP Autowerks BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 2011 135i DCT & 2011 1M Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AST, Brembo, Eibach, H&R, GIAC, Koni, Quaife, Stoptech, Vorshlag, Posts: 10,047 iTrader: (26)	We use something similar to this, one hand operation! Attached Images

11-16-2012, 07:00 PM	#21
kaiv Major Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,117 iTrader: (12)	Changed my pads today in preparation for the weekend. Made a little video. Hope this helps!

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