04-11-2021, 03:16 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2021 2SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 802
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Brake piston compressor tool?
For those of you who change their own brake pads on an SS 1LE or ZL1, I need to hear your experience and advice on what to use to compress the pistons to make room for replacement pads, particularly on the front rotors.
It seems that most of the common compressor tools are designed for smaller calipers with 4 pistons at most. My friend uses a screwdriver against the (old) pad backing plate to force the piston back inside, but that's on a 4 piston set up and I worry about damage that may do the the pads an surrounding area. So what do you guys use to deal with the front caliper, 6 piston Brembos? Also, any experience with using the Girodisc brake caliper compression tool? The Porsche guys seem to like it, but it's definitely not cheap. |
04-11-2021, 04:06 PM | #2 | |
Drives: 2018 2SS 1LE in Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Pasadena, MD
Posts: 213
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If you use this method, be sure to pump the brakes until the pedal firms up, you don't want to be going down the road and discover the pedal hits the floor! |
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04-12-2021, 10:43 AM | #3 |
Drives: 2019 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bastrop, TX
Posts: 438
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On this style of caliper I typically just take the old pad, rotate it 90deg, and use it as a lever to push the pistons back into the caliper.
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04-12-2021, 12:23 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2016 2SS Convertible Join Date: May 2012
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 1,710
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I’ve always used a large C-clamp and the old pad to slowly squeeze the pistons back. I’m careful to keep everything lined up and square so the clamp doesn’t damage anything. I haven’t tried this on the 6-piston brakes but it seems like it should work. A thick cloth or slim wood block help keep the clamp from scratching the back of the caliper.
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04-12-2021, 12:52 PM | #5 | |
Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: 909
Posts: 9,812
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Quote:
yup same here c clamp with a towel if i need it works fine
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04-12-2021, 01:13 PM | #6 | |
Hot Camaro
Drives: '20 2SS Convertible 6MT Join Date: May 2020
Location: CT
Posts: 3,534
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04-12-2021, 02:35 PM | #7 | |
Drives: [COTW 8/3/15] 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 434
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Just added 2021 ZL1 1LE to the Stable! https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418273 |
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04-12-2021, 02:55 PM | #8 |
Drives: 2023 CT5 Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,617
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I have freakishly strong fingers. Loosen the cap, then you can push the pistons in enough for new pads.
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04-12-2021, 03:45 PM | #9 |
Drives: 1LEs Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW - Texas
Posts: 1,319
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04-14-2021, 06:17 PM | #10 |
Geoff
Drives: 2020 ZL1 Green Join Date: May 2013
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,719
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I use the screwdriver method, putting the screwdriver between the worn out pad surface and the rotor.
I'll test my fingers on the next pad replacement.
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