Need name of special caliper spreader...please help!

[phenryiv1]

My A32 (I30/Maxima) has a special tool that is needed to spread the caliper. It affixes to the part that applies pressure (as you can see, I am highly technical in my description) and turns to compress the caliper to allow it to fit over the pad. The part that applis pressure has 4 grooves that this tool fits into to allow the tool to turn that (piston?) to give the clearance needed.

I need to buy one of these tools but do not know the name. I tried a regular caliper spreader, but no dice. I ended up using a pipe wrench- BAD!

[Dori Dori]

If you're just trying to push back the piston, you can do it by using needle nose pliers and turning it. It's actually how the FSM shows you how to do it (well, for the s-chassis but I'm betting it's the same for your car). A caliper tool is just a time saver, it's not required. If you must use one, go to your local auto parts store and rent one.

[phenryiv1]

If you're just trying to push back the piston, you can do it by using needle nose pliers and turning it. It's actually how the FSM shows you how to do it (well, for the s-chassis but I'm betting it's the same for your car). A caliper tool is just a time saver, it's not required. If you must use one, go to your local auto parts store and rent one.

Doing that w/ the neddlenose was a b!+ch...I have trouble holding the calipers in one hand and turning the piston with the other. If the indentations had squared-off ends (closest to the center) so that you could squeeze the pliers as you turn, it would be a lot easire. As it is, yo ucannot squeeze them or they just close up on you.

That was what took so long when I was working on them last night...what a pain...

[Dori Dori]

Yeah, I know what you mean. 240sx rear brakes are the same way. They sell a socket at NAPA for like $5 that should work, but it's too big to fit in the caliper (it's a cube...a tad smaller and it would work). I gave it to a buddy with a FC and it worked for him.

[phenryiv1]

I wonder if the A32 caliper might be larger than that of the 240, allowing the tool to fit.

I DOUBT it, since both the A32 and the 240 use Z32 brakes as an upgrade.

[llamabeta]

I went to autozone and as I was picking up some new rear rotors and pads I asked if they had the tool. It was like 30 buks but it is completely refunded. Just describe the caliper to them and they should know what it is. It's threaded with a slide rod at the top to turn it. It has multiple size disks in the case.

[ceniack]

use a flat head screwdriver and before you take the old pads and stuff out, use it to kind of pry it shut, place the screwdriver between the old pads and the brake rotor before taking them off and use it to compress the piston.

[SHIFTrl240]

do what i did... hammer and a screwdriver

[phenryiv1]

I went to autozone and as I was picking up some new rear rotors and pads I asked if they had the tool. It was like 30 buks but it is completely refunded. Just describe the caliper to them and they should know what it is. It's threaded with a slide rod at the top to turn it. It has multiple size disks in the case.

Good info.

[BuudWeizErr]

i used a pair of scissors.

it actually worked suprisingly well. just don't use your favorite pair.

[Darius]

How easy should the piston turn to get it back into the caliper? There's no way in hell I could turn it with a scissors. I have been using a vice grips to do it. :rolleyes

Mine are an SOB to turn so I'm wondering if they're beginning to get old and have a chance of seizing in the near future.

[Dori Dori]

It shouldn't turn 'easy'. Shouldn't be too hard either.