maspirito

Looking for a brake pads spreader and there seems to be quite a few choices. I saw someone using this one on a GT three seem to work OK any advice that you might have regarding these things?

hueyhoolihan

i can push them back by hand if i crack open a bleed nipple on the caliper first. i think it's because the fluid doesn't have to be pushed all the way back up the line to the reservoir.

Dave in Chicago

I use a spreader like the above. Just go slow. You're pushing hydraulic fluid back through the system. It'll go, just needs a little time. If you go slow, this has always worked for me. I may take a few mins to actually work pistons back into the caliper. I don't bleed them to do so, but suppose that could work too.

That said, I'm about to replace my front brake pads again, after 45k miles (OEM pads). I ordered the anti-vibration pads, the ones with the little pots that fit into the brake pistons. What I cannot remember is if these vibration bits can be replaced with the caliper in situ (calipers bolted in, rotors in place, sliding stuff in / out of the space after pressing caliper pistons all the way back).

Mine is early 2005 Boxster S, so has the 986 style calipers. Anyone recall if there is enough room? Else, I'll need to acquire the caliper bolts (one-time use and replace if removing calipers).

Thanks in advance.

maspirito

Ok good solution thanks

jscott82

I do pads 5-6 time a year... never used a spreader.

Spreader is one of those single use tools that does nothing but clutter up the tool box. Now if you are doing HOT/timed brake changes on pit lane, then a spreader may be beneficial.

Just use your fingers to get the initial mm or so.
If you have spiders on the backing plate, use a paint scraper to separate them
Pull one pad out by hand (only remove one at at a time).
Turn the pad 90 deg and use it to gently push the piston the rest of the way in. You want to make sure you are pushing the piston in squarely.
Pop the old spiders out, and put new ones in
Slide in the new pad;
Rinse lather repeat 8 times.

cavediver32043

I purchased exact one via Prime and works fine. Just remember to take a Turkey baster and remove some brake fluid out of your reservoir before using.

Robert Nixon

I'm a heathen, and use a C clamp. Might buy a similar tool some day just for fun.

pdxmotorhead

I open the bleed valves, why push the worst of the fluid back up in to the system? Oh and it doesnt really affect teh system when you open the bleeds and push the pads back, long as you don't leave the bleed screws open..

ga 951

What can I say, I'm a neanderthal. Pry bar between the ears works every time. Unless you have the reservoir overfilled, you will not push enough fluid to overflow...put a rag around it if you want (I do).

Dave in Chicago

FYI - Answered my own question today, just enough room if you push the pistons all the way in.

KNSBrakes

Here's a short video changing the pads on a 987.2 which is the same as all Boxster/Cayman from 97-12. I wish Porsche would have continued making the calipers the same way for the later cars. The 986-987.2 and 996 calipers are so easy to change pads!

--Aaron

Zach L

x2