rewinding front caliper piston during front pad change
I have a 2010 cooper d and I'm looking to know do you need the rewind tool to put the front pistons back in or will a gclamp and piece of wood do the trick? Don't have the tool so don't want to start stripping the brakes down to find I need one to do the job.
The front brake caliper pistons on ATE type need to be pushed back into their bores before the new pads will go in, the special tool is like 2 flat plates that fit into the caliper which bear against each piston, these are then wound apart thus pushing the pistons back, you could probably achieve the same thing using a G clamp or similar as you say.
Just make sure when pressing the pistons back the fluid in the reservoir doesnt overflow and thus damage surrounding paintwork.
When fitted pump the pedal several times so the pistons are up against the new pads before you drive off and reset the onboard computer if necessary.
I think it's only the rear pads that need the winding in tool. The screw pistons are to accommodate the hand brake so the lever doesn't end up under your pit.
100% correct. Changed brakes and disks last weekend and only need winder for rear. Watch the retainer nuts on the disks though as they can be an absolute pain to remove. I had to drill them out.
My previous car was a Toyota, and I had the winding tool for that - unfortunately it's too big for the Mini brake pistons.
So me, I did it without the special tool. Used a pair of pliers. You have to be careful with the piston mind, and it hurt my hands to push and twist at the same time (even with thick gloves on).
In future, I'll be buying the piston winder, or if I can just buy the end bit of the tool that fits Minis.
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