Need to expand the tool collection - front brake caliper spreader
 

What do you guys use, besides a screwdriver, to push the pistons back into the cylinders on the front brake calipers when changing out the brake pads? I'd like a proper tool for the job. Searched the board and found nada. Suggestions?

It's a screwdriver by any other name:)

I can probably rustle you up a surplus AH64 Apache main wheel brake caliper piston separation tool, NSN 1209877-1223-5556-8367-43645, but it'd still be a screwdriver for all intents and purposes.

Have Fun at Yosemite.

Screw driver... but carefully so

How did I know you hooligans were gonna suggest a screwdriver?

channel locks

For the front calipers, remove the bolts to one side at a time and twist it before removing it from the disk. Twisting will cause the pistons to retract far enough for the caliper to be reinstalled with the new pads in place. Do only one at a time as twisting one with the other already off will just cause the pistons to extend.

The rear is easier since there is only one caliper.

Take a drift pin and grind it into a oval. put it between the brake pads and twist.

I did it the way TwoDear did, but I had to crack open the M/C on the handlebar to be able to get any appreciable retraction from the pistons.

Thankfully, I didn't lose TOO much paint when I did that... :rolleyes:

So no one uses any special tool other than a screwdriver?

yes, I do... a wooden wedge, it's softer on the brake pads and you can leave it in... in the winter you'll have something to burn if in a crunch! ;)

Works just as well as a screw driver and I have had instances where the pads got damaged with the driver...

Well, I use the BMW tool. An '02 should have the EVO caliper, where you can take the pads out the top, right? BMW's newer caliper tool (with the iABS tools) is awesome. Pull out the pads, insert the tool, crank it open. The whole kit (2 of these plus some spacers and stuff) is about $500. BMW part 83 30 0 402 161

Previous version is tool# 34 1 500, old spreader for ABS2 Brembo caliper, nothing special. I don't have one. I rock the caliper on the disk.

New one is # 34 1 531 new spreader for EVO caliper, plus the -532 locating clip. $293 + $15. Two of each come in the kit, so just buy the kit.

...you can get a reverse flat blade plier if you look around, works better than a screwdriver...

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/p20b_thumb.jpg

here

This is more of what I'm looking for...

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=MK-BRK-J&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

...by the time you are done re-setting one caliper with that tool, I have both calipers back on the bike, new pads and all... you sure you are not an engineer?

i agree Ralf. When did compressing a piston on the caliper get to be such a anal piece of work.:D