Piston compression tool?
 

What are you guys doing when swapping brake pads for the track? When I went from stock to Carbotechs I had to compress pistons. I winged it with some channel locks and a rag to protect the piston and caliper. When I swapped back I didn't have to compress anything because the stock pads were thinner than the carbotechs. Do you guys recommend a compression tool of any sort?

I use a C clamp with a large socket on the piston for the clamp to push against.

Nice

When you change them as much as I do, tools like that, motive bleeder, cordless air pump, electric gas pumps are well worth it!

I know that autozone had a spreader in the loan-a-tool program back when I worked there if you're not looking to buy. Personally never used it as I've always just used the C-Clamp method.

Pipe clamp.

I've always used a c-clamp. Just make sure to wipe any debris off of the piston before pushing it back in. You can tear the outer dust boot and in some cases the inner seal if you get grit under the edges.

i always use two large flat bladed screwdrivers and do one side at a time. push the outer pistons in, insert pads, then push the inner pistons in and insert pads.

This is the best way while at the track,good job Mike:tup:

Thanks for the tips guys!

Sorry to jump on your thread here, but had a similar question.. Just changed out my rotors and pads, and since the oem pads still had a lot of life in them, the new pads pretty much fit right in, only had to push the pistons back a hair to get them to go in..

Is it required that we crank the piston all the way back in when changing pads or will they even themselves out after a few stops?

The reason I ask is I installed the pads the other day and didn't drive the car since, I moved the car out to the driveway because I needed to move another car in and it felt like the brakes were dragging a little. I know I'm still supposed to bed the pads in.

you will be fine. They don't have to go all the way in, just far enough to fit the pads in, and the first brake application will push them back out to where they need to be. If they were fully pushed in, it might take two or three presses of the pedal at most.

i was able to use the tips of my fingers and push the piston back the 1/8" i needed. but like Mike said a flat head screw driver works.

remember you dont have to remove the caliper to slide out the pads. :)

ok cool thanks guys.