Compressing rear brake calipers? Does there exist a common tool I can buy quick?

[Diesel Fumes]

I'll save the whining about vw designing brakes like this. But in short I need to change the pads and rotors. But had to stop mid way through. Anyone know if Canadian tire, princess auto, etc sells a tool to compress these pistons?

 

[Diesel Fumes]

https://www.princessauto.com/en/disc-brake-caliper-wind-back-tool/product/PA0008414930

Would this work?

 

[GlowBugTDI]

I use a big C clamp and channel locks. Works minty. I got tired of loaning the tool from a local auto parts store, and didn't want to buy the tool.

If you buy one I'd get one that will for sure work on vw brakes. The pins on that center hold may not match well with the vw ones.

 

[Genesis]

Should. I have one that is allegedly "for" VWs and it works on everything else I've ever worked on that has cable-driven E-brake rear calipers.

It just has to fit in the notches so it can press and turn at the same time. This is the one I have -- it is very easy to use.

Metalnerd Rear Brake Tool (VW)

Metalnerd Rear Brake Tool is required for rear brake jobs on VWs and some Audis from 1989 through Mk7 that use a manual parking brake handle. These calipers need to have the piston rotate...

www.idparts.com

 

[Diesel Fumes]

I use a big C clamp and channel locks. Works minty. I got tired of loaning the tool from a local auto parts store, and didn't want to buy the tool.

I tried that but it's all a bit tight to get a clamp on there plus trying to turn the piston. I could give it a try. It's all put back together for the time being

 

[GlowBugTDI]

I tried that but it's all a bit tight to get a clamp on there plus trying to turn the piston. I could give it a try. It's all put back together for the time being

Ok, ya I just clamp the piston to the brake line bolt/back of the caliper, put a tad bit of force on the brake piston. It doesnt take much. Then start twisting the piston with channel locks being careful to not rip the boot. Should go in easy enough. Otherwise you can possibly use a screwdriver and wedge it between the split in the caliper and the piston prying on it while you twist the piston. Sorry thats not a very clear picture I know. Only did that once since I was in a pinch. It took forever but it did work.

 

[Diesel Fumes]

Ok, ya I just clamp the piston to the brake line bolt/back of the caliper, put a tad bit of force on the brake piston. It doesnt take much. Then start twisting the piston with channel locks being careful to not rip the boot. Should go in easy enough. Otherwise you can possibly use a screwdriver and wedge it between the split in the caliper and the piston prying on it while you twist the piston. Sorry thats not a very clear picture I know. Only did that once since I was in a pinch. It took forever but it did work.

It makes sense yea. I was able to turn the piston as I thought it was that design (where you just turn the piston). But not at the same time as compressing. I'll give this another try tomorrow thanks

 

[GlowBugTDI]

It makes sense yea. I was able to turn the piston as I thought it was that design (where you just turn the piston). But not at the same time as compressing. I'll give this another try tomorrow thanks

Yes you have to alternate. Add some pressure twist, once it gets loose add more pressure and twist. Irritating, but once you have it goes quick.

 

[snakeye]

Long nose pliers. Just twist and push.

 

[Bradm]

I always found a big c clamp, possibly with a socket and a angle grinder tool with the two pins worked great, apply pressure, trurn a little, repeat.
Ive since bought the correct tool

 

[Bradm]

IMG_2809.jpeg

• Bradm
• May 27, 2023

Redneck brake tool

 

[Diesel Fumes]

Long nose pliers. Just twist and push.

Tried that too but nervous about pushing too hard and slipping or breaking lines. Everything is too seized to get the caliper off easily. But will try again tomorrow thanks

 

[GlowBugTDI]

Long nose pliers. Just twist and push.

Sometimes works, but it can be hard to add enough pressure. Especially if they are stiff or get stuck which is really common here in the midwest.

 

[1ztdi]

I have one of these, I think it'll do the job although to be honest I haven't ever used it !

DRAPER 3/8" SQ DR BRAKE CALIPER WIND BACK CUBE FOR PAD CHANGE, STOCK NO: 52334 5010559523344 | eBay

 

[irvingj]

I have one of those cubes -- it just wasn't "strong" enough on my Jetta, kept slipping out; I then bought the Metalnerd tool, which worked well.

 

[csstevej]

If you can’t get it to rotate while pushing in then the caliper is toast.
Once it starts it’s easy , I’ve done it with the C clamp method like stated above watch you don’t catch the boot and rip it .
My kids got me a kit from Harbor freight that works great , looks a lot like the metalnard but with more plates for different cars.
I don’t think HF is in your neck of the woods though….

 

[jmodge]

IMG_2809.jpeg

• Bradm
• May 27, 2023

Redneck brake tool

Similar to what I have but it has a broached 3/8” drive hole option as well as a spammer option and knurled outside circumference, might be a KD Tool. I pull the rotors and put the calipers back in the brackets to hold them

 

[GlowBugTDI]

If you can’t get it to rotate while pushing in then the caliper is toast.
Once it starts it’s easy , I’ve done it with the C clamp method like stated above watch you don’t catch the boot and rip it .
My kids got me a kit from Harbor freight that works great , looks a lot like the metalnard but with more plates for different cars.
I don’t think HF is in your neck of the woods though….

Too add to this. Try turning the piston without the clamp first if it doesn't go. Still the caliper may be going bad, but sometimes you can get them working again.

 

[Bradm]

Similar to what I have but it has a broached 3/8” drive hole option as well as a spammer option and knurled outside circumference, might be a KD Tool. I pull the rotors and put the calipers back in the brackets to hold them

Yep, good idea

 

[Diesel Fumes]

If you can’t get it to rotate while pushing in then the caliper is toast.
Once it starts it’s easy , I’ve done it with the C clamp method like stated above watch you don’t catch the boot and rip it .
My kids got me a kit from Harbor freight that works great , looks a lot like the metalnard but with more plates for different cars.
I don’t think HF is in your neck of the woods though….

Rotates fine. Hopefully try this again today. So it's not threaded? Need to push in as turning and it should go?

 

[burpod]

a big c-clamp works perfect for doing rear calipers. if you put the swivel end on the piston, as you clamp it down, it usually rotates itself just the right amount, especially if the foot of the clamp is small enough to fit in the depression of the piston. works wonderfully... if it doesn't rotate, you might need to help it a bit (carefully) with some large pliers, just be careful to not pinch the boot

 

[jmodge]

I push on mine using the 3/8” drive ratchet

 

[drew5250]

I'll save the whining about vw designing brakes like this. But in short I need to change the pads and rotors. But had to stop mid way through. Anyone know if Canadian tire, princess auto, etc sells a tool to compress these pistons?

I know it's probably done and over with, but I used my Matco BCP41 brake piston spreader tool. I would definitely get one or something similar, it makes working on any disk brake system that much easier.

 

[Nuje]

If you think you're ever going to do rear brakes again, a little over $20 makes your life a lot easier.

 

[jokila]

Big stores will rent the tool for free. Why buy?

 

[csstevej]

Just the hassle of going back and forth, plus depending on how many cars you got in family to work on….. for me it’s 7 vehicles….just the cost of fuel pays for that tool.just my .02

 

[jokila]

Yeah I agree and I own one too. If one is in the middle of a job and wants to get it done, it's easy enough to get one right away than order and wait for one to arrive.

 

[Nuje]

Big stores will rent the tool for free. Why buy?

Because tools are cool.
Because that tool might be useful in another application.
Because if my time is worth even $25/hr, it's more than an hour to make two round trips, plus the time of a transaction at the parts counter for something that they do maybe 5x/month (it's not quick), plus the actual checkout at the till....and then the same thing in reverse when returning.