Sunday, May 18, 2014
Brake Piston Tools
Brake pistons, or caliper pistons, are the part of the caliper that physically pushes the brake pads against the rotor when the brake pedal is pressed. This piston must be pressed into the caliper when replacing brake pads to make clearance for the new pads. There are several different tools used to press this piston in, depending on the style of piston system used: no push-back, dual pistons or standard.
C-Clamp
The C-clamp is one or the more basic tools and the most common tool used on caliper pistons. This tool has a fixed side that is placed on the caliper body and a screw side that is placed on the piston. The user tightens the screw side of the clamp and it slowly presses the piston into the caliper. This tool is used on a standard piston system, which is what a vast majority of vehicles use on the front brake system.
Dual Piston Press
The dual piston press is used on vehicles that have a dual piston system. Typically, these systems are reserved for high-performance vehicles. This tool has two plates, they are placed in the caliper just like brake pads. The user then tightens a wing-style nut that spreads the two plates, thereby compressing the pistons. If the user attempts to compress only one piston at a time, on a dual piston system, the opposite piston will raise as the other is compressed. This tool can typically be rented from any parts store.
Piston Cube
The piston cube is by far the most basic of the tools used. To better understand how this tool is used, one must understand how a "no push-back" calipers function. This style of caliper has a threaded piston that turns and locks into place when the parking brake is engaged. This piston can only be compressed by twisting and pushing at the same time. This tool is a hollow cube that is attached to a ratchet. This cube has small pegs that are inserted into grooves on the piston so it can be turned. Each side of the cube has different peg styles and sizes for different vehicles. This tool is primarily used on rear caliper pistons.
Piston Tool Set
The piston tool set is by far the most versatile ---and expensive--- tool for brake caliper pistons. This tool combines all of the others into one. It has a plate that acts as the outer brake pad, a screwing clamp to press the piston and a series of interchangeable plates that attach to the press to match all styles of pistons. This tool can be used on nearly any style of brake caliper piston. As stated before, this tool kit it rather expensive, but most parts stores lend them for free with purchase.
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