With Vyvyan in need of a brake service, I have needed to add to my tool stock. I need to grease up the calipers as the damp has made them bind on occasion. To do this, I need to remove the pads, and with this, the piston needs resetting in order to place the pads back into their seats. This tool will do, just that. It’s well made for it’s price-point, at £14.99.
The plates sit where the pads go, then when you use the ratchetted handle, the plates move apart. This pushes the piston back in, opening the space for the pads, again. With this tool, I also purchased a tub of Copper, and a tube, of Silicon Grease. The copper for the metal workings and mechanicals and the silicon for the guiding pins that have a rubber boot coverings which needs non-petroleum based grease so that they don’t perish.
Getting this tool has taught me:
- The piston needs to be pushed back in
- Copper Grease is petroleum-based
- The workings of a brake caliper
I had a few ideas about the brake system, but as I have only done basic mechanics, I have never touched disc brakes on a vehicle before, as I was not confident enough. I did used to service the drum brakes on my VW Beetle, some time ago. I am looking forward to using this tool, let’s see how it rates.
