The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Large C clamps for brakes

What is considered a large C Clamp. I am doing a disc brake change on a half ton truck. Is 4 inches considered large for a c-clamp? Is that big enough to push in the piston back into the caliper bore? Or is it too big by chance?

Shouldn't take a whole lot of pressure to move the piston back into the bore. Any C-clamp that will go round the caliper should work just fine. I'm a little reluctant to push right against the head of the piston for fear of bending it, they are not real thick at the point. I try to use a flat block of wood and push against the edge of the skirt till it bottoms on the casting.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

another way to do it would be to leave the old inner pad in place and push against that. I personally find that Vise Grip C-clamps work better than using the screw down type, they're faster and much less work. Just clamp it down, let it push the piston in, tighten more, clamp, repeat until the piston stops in the bore. Another tip that will help, open the bleeder screw. That way, you're not pushing any dirty fluid back into the master cylinder.

....leave the inboard shoe in place and use a BIG pair of channel locks. Works good....works quick. Been doing it this way for years.

I'll admit, I take it a step further. I have a special tool, 2 of them actually, just for pushing in capiper pistons. They have a plate that pushes on the piston outer edges, and also take much less force applied than using a C clamp or Vise Grips. One of them is for single piston, the other is for dual piston.

On top of all that, one other thing I have done is, before removing the caliper, open the bleeder and use a prying tool to push back the inner pad. Using the rotor as a fulcrum.

I used a C clamp for years,finaly broke done went to Sears and bought a tool.It was the cheaper version was only $10 works like a champ.........dave

I have been using a C clamp for many years. True,you could go out and buy a specialized tool that would do the same thing a C clamp would.But why spend money on something that you dont need.

In my case, I bought the tools because I do it for a living. Granted, the average guy that does his own work really dosn't need the specialty tool for working on calipers. But then again, the wrong tool can damage the piston, especially on modern cars. In particular, those that use the phenolic (Bakelite) pistons. Too much force in the wrong spot, and the piston will crack.

I have a "C" clamp that probably came over on the Mayflower, it has about 8" opening and works like a charm. I always leave the old brake pad to use to push the piston back. I have used it for over 60 years and it was old when I got it. I have always thought if it works use it.

I'm with Achipmonk, Channel Locks are hard to beat.

I thought the Mayflower C-clamp sounded the best. Still laughin! Vise grip c clamp are really the easiest for me. Will try the channel lock idea next time I do brakes.

Alvin, sometimes the old school method is the best and easiest way to go.