3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Replacing brake rotors and pads, caliper spreader question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 10:57 AM
  #1  
SpeedracerRX7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 25 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Question Replacing brake rotors and pads, caliper spreader question

I am just about to change out my rotors and pads but before I do I want to buy a caliper spreader as to compress the pistons to make it easier to put over the rotors. I was wondering if this, http://www.all-tool.com/BY_MASTER_CA...e_tools_16.htm ,will work on our calipers. Thanks for your time.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 11:11 AM
  #2  
alberto_mg's Avatar
Rotary Freak
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 0
From: nyc+li, ny
First off, the rear calipers need to be screwed back in. So you would need another tool for that too. I just use a good set of needle nose plyers to turn them back in. There are a couple of threads about people who couldn't press the rear calipers back in that are kinda funny.

Secondly, I just use a cheap large set of plumbing plyers to press the fronts in. Works perfectly.

I do suggest you also search through the suspension section as there are some informative threads about getting the rotors off. If yours are anything like mine, they will be stuck on pretty tight.

Bleed the brakes while you are there.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 11:12 AM
  #3  
DamonB's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,617
Likes: 8
From: Dallas
No it will not. The four piston front calipers don't have room for the tool. I am a nut so I bought the special tool from Mazda Motorsports:



If you don't have that one remove the calipers but leave the pads installed. Crack the bleed valve open and pry the pads apart with a couple wrenches or use a large c-clamp to push the pads in; this will retract the pistons. Close up the bleed valve once the pistons are seated.

Your pictured tool will not work on the rear either because you have to turn the pistons in order to restract them. You can use the tips of a pair of needle nose or you can buy a "rear disc brake tool" from an autoparts store.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 12:42 PM
  #4  
SpeedracerRX7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 25 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
What size C-Clamp do you recommend to make this the easiest possible solution?
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 01:31 PM
  #5  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
I just use a 23 or 24mm wrench with a garage rag wrapped around it (just to keep from damaging anything) to push the front pistons in...

On the rear, you'll need the tool (places like NAPA carry them).
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 07:57 PM
  #6  
BLKTOPTRVL's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 16
From: South Carolina
Be careful trying to press in a piston, if there is still pressure in the line and you press one pot in, another may pop out altogether.

BTW, that tool (first post) won't work because it cannot get down inside the caliper.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 08:29 PM
  #7  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Originally posted by BLKTOPTRVL
Be careful trying to press in a piston, if there is still pressure in the line and you press one pot in, another may pop out altogether.
That shouldn't happen if you have the bleed valve open (and you should if you are pressing the pistons).
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 10:24 PM
  #8  
dubcaps's Avatar
that's JDM tyte yo!
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 751
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
i dont remeber what i did but i got the tool from the first pic to work when i did mine. Like everyone else said you have to screw in the rear caliper. Needle nose pliers work exceptionally well.
-stephen
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2004 | 11:54 PM
  #9  
Tom93R1's Avatar
gross polluter
Tenured Member: 25 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 25
From: Chandler, AZ
That tool in the first post is pretty getto, they go for about $5 at the local parts store and arent even worth that. The plastic **** stips out and the then it is worthless. Get a medium sized C-clamp, they work alot better and you can use it for more than just your brakes.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2004 | 12:11 AM
  #10  
Want2race's Avatar
Bigger and better things
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 1
From: Marietta, GA
most part stores will loan you the tool for the fronts
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
josef 91 vert
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
23
Sep 3, 2015 11:20 AM
Frisky Arab
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
13
Aug 18, 2015 05:30 PM
Marty RE
New Member RX-7 Technical
0
Aug 17, 2015 09:36 AM
Marty RE
New Member RX-7 Technical
0
Aug 13, 2015 11:19 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:11 AM.