Caliper Retraction Tool

[WesleyP]

Just been to buy a Caliper Retraction tool for doing the pads/discs on my Passat (2001 1.9 TDI) but was asked if it was a left hand or right hand threaded caliper? I didn't realise there was a difference when I have seenb these tools on sale elsewhere?

[passat 130 tdi]

they both screw in clockwise. ;)

[tornadored7]

Hi,

Is this the same as a Brake Piston Rewind Tool, i.e. ;

Laser 1314: Brake Caliper Piston Re-wind Tool Set (http://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?item=356&cat=518)

(BTW, I am not sponsored by Laser Tools :o)

TR7

[caldirun]

Just been to buy a Caliper Retraction tool for doing the pads/discs on my Passat (2001 1.9 TDI) but was asked if it was a left hand or right hand threaded caliper? I didn't realise there was a difference when I have seenb these tools on sale elsewhere?
Why? cant you find your long-nose pliers?

[adamss24]

A big G clamp works just as well and it only costs a fiver at any hardware shop !

[passat 130 tdi]

A big G clamp works just as well and it only costs a fiver at any hardware shop !


whats a g-clamp going to do other than smash the worm inside the caliper ? :biglaugh:

these pistons need screwing back in ,and not forced in using pressure .

long nose pliers do work if you can push at the same time as turn , i used them to do my calipers but found it really difficult and awkward on the vw caliper , even with the bleed nipple cracked open the piston was really stubborn , if you intend keeping the car for a good few years invest in the proper tools.

[snapdragon]

Just get the proper tool, don't crush them with a G-clamp!
Remember when using the tool, it is a WINDING tool, not a VICE, it is an easy mistake that many people make and they preload the tool with lots of clamping force and wonder why it is so stiff to turn!

[adamss24]

A big G clamp works just as well and it only costs a fiver at any hardware shop !
Trust me mate, i do a dozen of these every week and i never used another tool other than a G clamp ! In this country every little job needs its own "special" tool and "specialist" !?! What the f*** ? No wonder servicing the car nowadays cost a fortune !

[passat 130 tdi]

Trust me mate, i do a dozen of these every week and i never used another tool other than a G clamp ! In this country every little job needs its own "special" tool and "specialist" !?! What the f*** ? No wonder servicing the car nowadays cost a fortune !


you are the tool in this thread mate :biglaugh: - pistons that need returning to state of origin like those on the passat cannot be simply pushed back , brakes with abs have calipers on the rears as opposed to drum brakes the piston turns on a worm type screw as the hand brake is applied and also self adjusts when the pads wear. what you suggest is incorrect advice to many diy ers out there and will end up costing them a new caliper if they use a g-clamp . ADVISE LIKE THIS IS INCORRECT AND SHOULD WARRANT A FORUM WARNING.

[snapdragon]

I agree, how can you push something threaded back without stripping the threads? That's why I don't go to these garages as they all too often do dumb things like this and act all innocent afterwards. Also, the thread rake of the tool is the same as the thread inside the caliper, otherwise it would bind up.

[adamss24]

you are the tool in this thread mate :biglaugh: - pistons that need returning to state of origin like those on the passat cannot be simply pushed back , brakes with abs have calipers on the rears as opposed to disc brakes the piston turns on a worm type screw as the hand brake is applied and also self adjusts when the pads wear. what you suggest is incorrect advice to many diy ers out there and will end up costing them a new caliper if they use a g-clamp . ADVISE LIKE THIS IS INCORRECT AND SHOULD WARRANT A FORUM WARNING.
Yes, and if you aply even pressure and keep the clamp centered on a big socket turned upside down inside the caliper, the piston will turn clockwise. Maybe you have not noticed, a G clamp tip is pivoting around its own axle wich means it will turn in the same time with the piston ! Do not rush in making asumptions, i am no back street grease monkey- i do rebuild engines for a hobby and doddle with cambelts on vag engines ! Changing brake pads is no rocket science but common sense ! If you are a 'noob and press the piston as far as it will go or dont know how to change pads, then pay someone...Maybe next time you should use plain english when typing replies as i cannot read gibberish !

[tornadored7]

Hi,

Thanks for the flamefest and lack of reply :(,

The G - Clamp and socket is one suggestion.

Regarding the calliper retraction tool suggestion, could someone please illuminate and suggest a link to this tool?

TR7

[kenney]

Hi I think adamms24 was thinking of the front calpers when he made that statement,easy done,However,for a start, i dont think you could return the pistons on the rear calipers,no matter how big a g- clamp you use.As regards special tools they make the job a lot easier,unfortunatly,at the end of the day it is the customer who has to partly pay for them,in the form of higher workshop rates. Edit okay i take that back sounds possible if you have done i beleive you.

[snapdragon]

Regarding the calliper retraction tool suggestion, could someone please illuminate and suggest a link to this tool?

TR7

The answer is in the first reply, just look on ebay, Eurocarparts, GSF, Franklin, Laser Tools or go to Halfords, local motor factor etc.., they all sell them. There are some that look like a cube, they aren't very easy to use.
Maybe the shop you went to was taking the ****?
eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Franklin-TA891-Brake-Caliper-Wind-back-Tool_W0QQitemZ160243354332QQihZ006QQcategoryZ30917 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Eddie]

I tape up the piston edge and rubber boot and turn em back using water pump pliers works a treat for me,but be carefull not to nip the rubber boot

[passat 130 tdi]

Yes, and if you aply even pressure and keep the clamp centered on a big socket turned upside down inside the caliper, the piston will turn clockwise. Maybe you have not noticed, a G clamp tip is pivoting around its own axle wich means it will turn in the same time with the piston ! Do not rush in making asumptions, i am no back street grease monkey- i do rebuild engines for a hobby and doddle with cambelts on vag engines ! Changing brake pads is no rocket science but common sense ! If you are a 'noob and press the piston as far as it will go or dont know how to change pads, then pay someone...Maybe next time you should use plain english when typing replies as i cannot read gibberish !


maybe you should of explained yourself fully then in the first post , instead of stating "A big G clamp works just as well and it only costs a fiver at any hardware shop" which is ok for the fronts as you probably didnt read the thread properly - no good for the rears at all .- any incorrect advice is bad advice in the hands of a novice. so handbag away and read the threads slowly next time before answering. , or answer in a way thats useful. :beerchug:

[caldirun]

The answer is in the first reply, just look on ebay, Eurocarparts, GSF, Franklin, Laser Tools or go to Halfords, local motor factor etc.., they all sell them. There are some that look like a cube, they aren't very easy to use.
Maybe the shop you went to was taking the ****?
eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Franklin-TA891-Brake-Caliper-Wind-back-Tool_W0QQitemZ160243354332QQihZ006QQcategoryZ30917 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I did my rears with a cube type tool, it cost a few quid and worked a treat but I did have to grind two of the lugs to locate in the recesses in the piston but that only took a couple of minutes.
If you are doing it for a living and at a fixed base buy all the tools you can afford, if its a once every few years job, improvise!

[WesleyP]

I just boufght a tool from my local motorist discount, brand name Laser I think. It made the job dead easy! And its needed on the wife's Beetle as well!

[Canetoad]

I've checked for the tool at Halfords but VW isn't listed on the fitment list on the back of the pack. Can anybody confirm that it will fit?

Which Laser tool is recommended?

[TheMadhatter]

I have the laser one and yes it does not state VW on it but I have had no problems using it.

Got it from GSF about £15 at the time. Used it on my Octavia, and my dads Seat Alhambra. For about £15 it makes the job so much easier, its not a lot of money considering the hassle if the other methods went wrong.

[WesleyP]

Thats the one I got. It has a reversible plate for different sizes of caliper.

[chrispassat]

Buy the proper tool mate - I spent a load of time trying to do the long nose pliers method to no avail, finally giving in & buying the correct tool.

On my old MG you could force the pistons back in with a bit of wood & some manual pressure but precision passat kit needs to be treated with a bit more respect if you want it to keep working.

183k+ miles on 1998 TDI Sport

[Ross 1.8T]

My local ********* sell a piston retraction tool that states VW on the packaging. Its for the rears only, the screw-in type. They keep them in the glass cabinets next to the professional range socket sets etc.

[JontraK]

Adamss24 is 100% right.

G-clamp works perfect. just did my rear brake discs and brake pads this weekend - 2002 1.9 TDI 130. The g-clamp also rotates the piston in a clock-wise direction and the piston goes in smootly like knife through butter; and both my pistons were all the way out as I had nothing left on the pads, bare metal :D

Any special tools advertised are an obvious ploy of the mfr to make more money out of the public.

[adamss24]

I agree, how can you push something threaded back without stripping the threads? That's why I don't go to these garages as they all too often do dumb things like this and act all innocent afterwards. Also, the thread rake of the tool is the same as the thread inside the caliper, otherwise it would bind up.
Yeah, you go to the dealer where they replace your whole turbocharger when all it needs is a £16 oil breather or a clean, or pay 500 notes on a brake discs + pads change when you could have the same done for half price using genuine parts ! Its very easy to repair something when you throw new parts in the hope it will fix the problem ! At least, they wash your car nicely for "free" or is that £100+ VAT per hour !?! As i have said, the caliper's piston turn nicely while you push it back ... it mimics the action the "special" tool does, just dont put a lot of pressure on the clamp. You dont believe me, give it a try then sell your special tool on ebay.

[defblade]

Hi guys,

Thought I had 2 seized rear calipers as I've never heard of wind-back ones before! (And I've worked on quite a lot of cars before now.....)

Ignored the chat about g-clamps (I don't have anything suitable anyway) and bought ther laser tool from ********* (say what you like, they're open on a sunday afternoon) and it works a treat (even though doesn't say audi on the package).

Anyhow, got away with the pressure I put on the pistons to start with and it's a doodle with the tool.

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread as it's just saved me a lot of dosh :beerchug: