caliper/piston spread tool for BBK

[ninekrpm]

Can someone recommend a good tool, bought a $75 tool and it only did $75 worth of work. Had to do it in small increments…took a good 45min per side.

I am using AP racing brakes, but I am sure these are relatively compatible with most racing BBK’s.

[g2]

I use this one.

https://girodisc.com/caliper-piston-spreading-tool/

[SYT_Shadow]

The gurodisc one, and we've had a welder modify it to be a beast.

[aka Hootie]

AP recommended using the rotor to get the PADs out after I struggled with the back pads. You have to remove the set bolt then just grab the bottom of the rotor to push the calipers in a little to get the pads out. I did not have problems with the fronts, I was able to push the pads outs from the bottom. Once they were out, I just use my hands and a soft piece of wood to push the calipers in, you have to do one pad at a time. Make sure you loosen the brake fluid cap. I started with the passenger and after about an hour I called AP. The driver side took me 15 mins. Hope this helps.

[ninekrpm]

Thanks all…just ordered the girodisc one

[biofluke]

I know MaX PL has one, and it is pretty awesome. Depending on your caliper, you might need to modify it slightly by adding a spacer, or sometimes I use an old brake pad that I had worn down to the backing plate. When the girodisc is open (and any other pad spreader I've tried), it does not quite have enough spread to fully compress the pistons.

[SYT_Shadow]

And as we're talking about this, let's all remember to clean the pistons with a cloth or rag before retracting them!

[chetrickerman]

I just use 2 C-clamps, 2 old brake pads, works great and is obviously super cheap.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

And as we're talking about this, let's all remember to clean the pistons with a cloth or rag before retracting them!

funny you say that...I noticed a lot of residue on the pistons, I ended up removing the calipers to clean all the pistons.

[dvas]

Originally Posted by g2

I use this one.

https://girodisc.com/caliper-piston-spreading-tool/

Seriously? How is this thing worth anything close to that price?

I have been using this for years. But I never had too much of a problem spreading the BMW calipers using the old pad, a screw driver and a hammer?

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-29100-Q...7-857e17e03685

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by dvas

Seriously? How is this thing worth anything close to that price?

I have been using this for years. But I never had too much of a problem spreading the BMW calipers using the old pad, a screw driver and a hammer?

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-29100-Q...7-857e17e03685

I have that tool, and it works fine for oem calipers. For aftermarket stuff or the ccb calipers, it doesn't

[Gossypiboma]

Originally Posted by dvas

Seriously? How is this thing worth anything close to that price?

I have been using this for years. But I never had too much of a problem spreading the BMW calipers using the old pad, a screw driver and a hammer?

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-29100-Q...7-857e17e03685

I bought that hoping it was a cheaper alternative to use for my AP kit. It doesn't work.

[FaRKle!]

Originally Posted by Gossypiboma

I bought that hoping it was a cheaper alternative to use for my AP kit. It doesn't work.

I use it for my 9668 caliper. The travel amount isn't always enough for 25mm pads (to place the spreader against the backing plate lip), but I just hold something behind the spreader plate to shim it and it works for me.

The rear AP 9449/9451 calipers spread super easily with just a flat head screwdriver in the groove of the center of the pad and levering against the bridge. No special tool needed.

[Gossypiboma]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

I use it for my 9668 caliper. The travel amount isn't always enough for 25mm pads (to place the spreader against the backing plate lip), but I just hold something behind the spreader plate to shim it and it works for me.

The rear AP 9449/9451 calipers spread super easily with just a flat head screwdriver in the groove of the center of the pad and levering against the bridge. No special tool needed.

Next pad change I'll give it another go. I don't remember the issue I was having but it easily could have been user error.