I watched a close-up of a pit stop during the Daytona 24 hour race and noticed a special tool they had for pushing the pads back into the calipers. Looked kind of like a pair of pliers with flat blades that that slid between the rotor and the pads then squeezed to open everything up.

Anyone know where we could get one that will work on our 993's? This always seems like the biggest hassle of changing the pads...

Curtis

 

Hi Curtis:

I found such a tool at Sears. Search the archives for a thread on the tools Ray Calvo uses (from JC Whitney catalogue?).

Alternatively, I find a large set of utility clamps (big, spring loaded) can be used to keep the pistons from expanding in the first place. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

 

What I use is a pair of channel locks.

I've modified them with a non-skid surface
on the outside of jaws.

The outside of the jaws are set against
the inside of each pad top. Opening the
pliers pushes back the pads.

Certainly does not have the cachet of special
tool, but its simple, effective and does not
mark the outside of the caliper.

tim

 

I described my method for replacing 993 pads including tools I used. Do an archive search.

The initial pad replacement where you still have the glued-on noise reducers on the caliper pistons is a royal PITA. Once you toss this junk away, pad replacement is a dream on a 993; pad replacement and tire change can be done in about 30-45 minutes.

 

Let me try to lend a differnet opinion here. THe tool Curtis saw was actually used once the old pads are removed to force the pistons back into the calipers to make room for the new pads. I usually just use a very large phillips head and use the shaft of it to force the piston back in. Problem is that the one on the other side goes out as the one you're working on goes in. So I end up having to put one pad in then pry out the other pistons.

Just learned that <a href="http://www.ultimategarage.com" target="_blank">Ultimate Garage</a> sells the exact tool you saw in the race. I have not inquired yet, but will certainly get one before the season starts for me.

Good luck,

E. J.

 

[quote]Let me try to lend a differnet opinion here.<hr></blockquote>

E.J. - I don't see what the problem is. I use a prybar with an old pad backing plate. Yank one pad in a caliper, force the pistons on that side back with the prybar/backing plate, insert new pad, then go to other pad in same caliper. No problems in 10 years of doing this (old Turbo Look and present 993). Generally pad replacement is a quick job as I noted; don't need no fancy freakin' tools.

 

Agreed Ray. It is just one of those things that would make it just a little easier. The old pad with the pry bar (or a big screwdriver) is the best way I have found yet. That is what I was trying to describe last night.

[quote]Posted by Ray:
<strong>don't need no fancy freakin' tools.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Does that include your spark plug tool???

E. J.