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      06-01-2021, 04:01 PM   #1
dmf
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AP Racing Calipers Spreader Tool

Hi All

Basic question to anyone running with the AP Racing calipers at least up front on their M2 (or other F87) - what do you happen to use for pushing the pistons back in while changing pads?

The front 6-piston calipers to me feel quite tough to push back in even with the master cylinder cap removed. It is of course mostly felt when swapping between pads with dramatic differences in material remaining. To date I've been using a completely used pad as a wedge to push them back in, but since I can't contact all the pistons at once that can lead to others coming back out.

Any suggestions/links to preferred tools for these calipers?
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      06-01-2021, 04:40 PM   #2
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Bought this for my 9660 kit. Works decent enough. Lang Tools 279-5420 279 Brake Caliper Press https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQKDE..._1NY5RcPzJHDPs
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      06-01-2021, 06:37 PM   #3
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After years looking for a quality tool, I found this Lisle-29100-Quick-Quad-Spreader
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Last edited by omasou; 06-01-2021 at 06:45 PM..
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      06-01-2021, 07:08 PM   #4
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Glad I saw this! Been looking for one as well. Thx!
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      06-06-2021, 05:30 PM   #5
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Not as fancy as the quick spreaders but bought this a decade a go and still use it. Couldn't have cost me more than $10 at the time.
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      06-08-2021, 12:40 PM   #6
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I just use standard fixed caliper spreaders and keep a set of old brake pads around to cover all 6 pistons, when using the spreaders.
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      06-08-2021, 05:26 PM   #7
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A big screwdriver seems to work okay. Obvs, if you're in the middle of an Endurance Race pit stop and need to change the pads - hot - in a matter of seconds, there are better tools.
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      06-09-2021, 08:26 AM   #8
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The big expensive, clumsy Lisle Tool doesn't work on "Stock" M2 rear calipers. Better off using a Flat Head screw driver as posted. Just keep pads being changed in caliper and spread apart with screw driver.
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      06-14-2021, 07:27 AM   #9
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Girodisc

I've been using the Girodisc piston spreader. It can pull six piston quick and easy.

https://www.girodisc.com/Caliper-Pis...ol_p_5970.html

Of note you have to keep the inside pad in the front while spreading as the caliper hanger is in the way of the inside piston (unless you choose to disassemble the hanger from the caliper).

Works for any kind of piston configuration. Some may say it's expensive but time is money
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      07-07-2021, 10:34 AM   #10
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We don't have a preferred tool for spreading the pistons. The one thing you do want to make sure of however, is to 1) clean the sides of the pistons before pushing them back into the caliper. Debris on the sides of the pistons can cut your internal piston seals. 2) cover the pistons with a rag before pushing them in. You don't want anything hard directly contacting the pistons. If you nick the pistons, create a burr, etc., it can also damage the internal seals when you push the piston back into the caliper.
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      07-07-2021, 12:18 PM   #11
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OP, the other thing that will help is if you crack the bleed nipple open - ideally with a brake bleed kit attached so the fluid doesn't drip everywhere. Once you've pushed the pads back, close the nipple again, and remember to pump the pedal and check the reservoir/top up before driving.
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      07-07-2021, 01:55 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jritt@essex View Post
We don't have a preferred tool for spreading the pistons. The one thing you do want to make sure of however, is to 1) clean the sides of the pistons before pushing them back into the caliper. Debris on the sides of the pistons can cut your internal piston seals. 2) cover the pistons with a rag before pushing them in. You don't want anything hard directly contacting the pistons. If you nick the pistons, create a burr, etc., it can also damage the internal seals when you push the piston back into the caliper.
Hi Jeff,
How would you access the pistons to clean them before spreading the pads? And what would you clean the pistons with? I use a Lisle spreader against the edges of the pad backing plates to push in the pistons.

Thanks!
Alex
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      07-07-2021, 05:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexB77 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jritt@essex View Post
We don't have a preferred tool for spreading the pistons. The one thing you do want to make sure of however, is to 1) clean the sides of the pistons before pushing them back into the caliper. Debris on the sides of the pistons can cut your internal piston seals. 2) cover the pistons with a rag before pushing them in. You don't want anything hard directly contacting the pistons. If you nick the pistons, create a burr, etc., it can also damage the internal seals when you push the piston back into the caliper.
Hi Jeff,
How would you access the pistons to clean them before spreading the pads? And what would you clean the pistons with? I use a Lisle spreader against the edges of the pad backing plates to push in the pistons.

Thanks!
Alex
Remove the pads and you can access the pistons.
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      07-08-2021, 10:41 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DRLane View Post
Remove the pads and you can access the pistons.
Yes, but to remove the pads you typically have to push in the pistons a bit first. Hence my question
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      07-08-2021, 11:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexB77 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DRLane View Post
Remove the pads and you can access the pistons.
Yes, but to remove the pads you typically have to push in the pistons a bit first. Hence my question
I push mine out no problem. Use my fingers to pull on the pad slightly (less than a mm is needed to get them wiggling). Alternatively use a flat head on the backing plate and tap it with a hammer. Again it'll slide right out.
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      07-29-2021, 12:56 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexB77 View Post
Yes, but to remove the pads you typically have to push in the pistons a bit first. Hence my question
A good way to pull the pads out is with a strong magnet. Give it a shot!
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      07-29-2021, 01:17 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jritt@essex View Post
We don't have a preferred tool for spreading the pistons. The one thing you do want to make sure of however, is to 1) clean the sides of the pistons before pushing them back into the caliper. Debris on the sides of the pistons can cut your internal piston seals. 2) cover the pistons with a rag before pushing them in. You don't want anything hard directly contacting the pistons. If you nick the pistons, create a burr, etc., it can also damage the internal seals when you push the piston back into the caliper.
Street calipers tend to have protective rubber boots though, so I'm guessing this is more for track calipers (or, my motorcycle...)
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