Brake Piston Tool? Question and idea.

[ironray75]

I was just wondering if anyone knew if there was a tool available to push back the pistons on the front disk brakes. Also if you do manage to push back the pistons, and if you don't open the bleeder valve, then you don't have to bleed the brakes, right? Thanks for the info.

[99GrandAMSE]

... just use a big C-clamp and open the brake fluid reservoir so the air can excape out from there when you push the fluid back in :)

[ironray75]

That wont put any air into the brake lines will it? I want to be able to change the pads and not have to blead the breaks. Thanks for the info.

[99GrandAMSE]

... using a C-clamp to push the piston back and opening the reservoir cap will not introduce air into the system :)

[ironray75]

Wow, thanks. That is what I wanted to know.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by ironray75
Wow, thanks. That is what I wanted to know.

No problems :)

[99GrandAMSE]

... just a thought, you do realize I mean the reservoir cap by the master cylinder right?? If you open the bleeder screw, you WILL introduce and and will need to 'bleed' the brakes :(

[ironray75]

Yea, I don't want to open the bleeder screws. That would suck.

[fuel4thesoul]

along with the c-clamp use a half of 2x4 and this will assist you in doing the brakes, it works better than just a c-clamp it is how i have always done it.

[4kQuad]

I use a piece of flat wood across the pistion to try to keep the pressure even over a larger area, like putting a 2 by 6 under the trany pan before jacking. Beside, if some thing has to give it will be the wood.

[99GrandAMSE]

... if you have a big enough C-clamp (like I do), no 2x4 is needed :)

[fuel4thesoul]

That is fine and all.....BUT a lot of times c-clamps can also not apply enough "round" pressure causing the piston to slip/seperate from the caliper.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by fuel4thesoul
That is fine and all.....BUT a lot of times c-clamps can also not apply enough "round" pressure causing the piston to slip/seperate from the caliper.

... possibly, never had that problem though keeping in mind that if your piston needs 'that much pressure' to move it back, the bore should probably be honed or the piston replaced :(

[fuel4thesoul]

Originally posted by 99grandamse
... possibly, never had that problem though keeping in mind that if your piston needs 'that much pressure' to move it back, the bore should probably be honed or the piston replaced :(

it is not so much that it needs the pressure it is just the fact that YOU need to keep well rounded pressure...for the littlest of slip can cause the need for a new caliper! Plus you also have a new rather should i say Newer grand am than I.

[99capergrandam]

I've always used the C- clamp method mentioned by 99grandamse and have never had any problems.

[TA^Guy]

I just use a large c-clamp, but last time I did I was pondering the idea of welding a narrow plate of steel to the end. C-Clamps are cheep than the darn caliper piston compressors, and it's only a clamp with a plate on the end.

[Gimli]

Here's what the service manual has to say about it:
"If installing new brake pads, use a C-clamp (2) in order to clamp the piston at the same time. Use a metal plate or wooden block across the face of the piston. Do not damage the piston or the caliper boot."

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by fuel4thesoul
... Plus you also have a new rather should i say Newer grand am than I.

Very true, but very little work has been needed on my Grand AM so far (knock on wood) so all of my auto knowledge and experience has come from 'older' vehicles ... sometimes POS that have NEVER had work done to them even older than yours :( ... anyway, no biggie ... your method is perfectly fine it is just that I have never needed to use it :)

[GAGTWI]

We used the old brake pads to spread the pressure evenly when using the c-clamp.

Is it true you can damage the master cylindar by not opening the bleeders while compressing the piston or does opening the brake fluid resevoir aleviate this?

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by GAGTWI
... Is it true you can damage the master cylindar by not opening the bleeders while compressing the piston or does opening the brake fluid resevoir aleviate this?

All I have ever done is to open the reservoir cap and when the piston is pushed back, the fluid fills the reservoir back up ... remember though, if at some point between the last brake job and now you added brake fluid to top the system up, pushing the piston back MAY over flow the reservoir which means nothing more than you will make a mess ... just giving a warning :)

[ironray75]

Okay I am having a brain fart, but by reservoir cap you mean the cap that you pop off to add the brake fluid in that is just under the hood right? Thanks.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by ironray75
Okay I am having a brain fart, but by reservoir cap you mean the cap that you pop off to add the brake fluid in that is just under the hood right? Thanks.

:agree:

[ironray75]

Cool thanks. :)

[bwsanders]

if you dont trust the c-clamp method and you are lucky(unlucky?) enough to have an auto-zone nearby you can rent a caliper compresser set (about $20 fully refundable when you return the tool) then there is no worry about damaging the piston.

[ironray75]

Ha..I guess I am lucky..There is one that is about 2 miles away.