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Can someone tell me exactly what tools and sizes are required for a rotor and pad change? I have sockets, torx, hex, and triple squares, just want to make sure I have the correct sizes before I get started. Thanks.
I didn't do my own rotors, but for the pads you'll need a punch tool to tap the top/bottom pins out. Vise grips are helpful in this task as well. And a 13mm socket for the larger middle 'pull rod' - the bolt is on the backside. Needle nose pliers for the brake wear sensor. And a piston spreader of your choice. I'll post a pic from my phone in just a moment.
Two blocks of wood, and two big a@@ screwdrivers. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap, blocks of wood against the piston face, screwdrivers inside of that and pry out in opposing direction.
You're sticking the block in between the rotor and the pistons to compressing the pistons AFTER removing the pads? I've found it easier to compress them while the old pads are still in place.
It didn't dawn on me until I read Clark Kent's first note that there is a tool for this. Has anyone tried anything like these?
I've found it easier to compress them while the old pads are still in place.
- Since I wanted to pull the pads for a closer inspection of remaining life I didn't want the metallic screwdrivers possible scratch the pad surface. But when certain about replacing out the old pads then I agree your way is better.
I had purchased a similar tool but for the life of me couldn't get it to apply correctly for our calipers. Figured I was too much of a knucklehead so I resorted to sticks and blocks.
I would argue pushing the pistons with your hands is the best way to do it. If you cannot, consider rebuilding the pistons. Especially if one of them is harder to move than others.
What I found was hand pushing one piston in caused another to pop out, therefore seemingly needing to do all at once. And doing it with the old pads in there was easiest but the width of the old pads didn't allow the pistons to spread wide enough for the new fatter pads to slip in. For me, I needed another mm or two.
I would recommend spreading the pistons with the old pads still in first and if you can get the new pads in then that's great.
If replacing rotors and pads then pushing the caliper pistons back is not hard - just wedge your preferred tool (large screwdriver will work fine) between the old pads and old rotors and push the pistons back all the way in. Unbolt caliper, slip rotors off and on, caliper back on and drop in new pads.
If replacing rotors and pads then pushing the caliper pistons back is not hard - just wedge your preferred tool (large screwdriver will work fine) between the old pads and old rotors and push the pistons back all the way in. Unbolt caliper, slip rotors off and on, caliper back on and drop in new pads.
Can you share what size and type of socket is needed for caliper removal? M16 triple square?
i believe the caliper bracket to knuckle bolts should be 21mm. Unless you want to take them off with the 2 large hex bolts (caliper to bracket) which are pretty big i dont remember off the top of my head but something like 10-14mm allen/hex. The rotor has a small t30 that holds it to the hub for assembly purposes. It's best to have some sort of an impact to just quickly break this loose. Usually using hand tools will cause it to strip out from the corrosion so a quick blow gets it done.
Last edited by roadtalontsi; 01-12-2016 at 09:31 PM.
If replacing rotors and pads then pushing the caliper pistons back is not hard - just wedge your preferred tool (large screwdriver will work fine) between the old pads and old rotors and push the pistons back all the way in.
That works great if you're tossing your hardware. I'm swapping race and street pads for track weekends and don't want to damage pads or rotors. Anyone found a quick and easy way to compress pistons without tearing up anything?
That works great if you're tossing your hardware. I'm swapping race and street pads for track weekends and don't want to damage pads or rotors. Anyone found a quick and easy way to compress pistons without tearing up anything?
01-12-2016, 12:28 AM
