Brakes

[sgtsandman]

I did a brake inspection, clean, and lube on the FX4 today. Not bad and definitely much better than the setup on the 2011 model. Outside of the parking brake mechanism on the back brakes, they are essentially smaller version of the front ones. Be advised, that if you do you own work, you will need a tool to crank the piston back when changing pads. I'll need to see if I can find the tool commercially. It's essentially a T-Handle with a disc on the other end with two studs to grip the piston slots. When fully backed down, the slots should align with a reference point on the caliper housing.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Sounds like the tool would be easy to fabricate.

 

[sgtsandman]

Could be. I'll see what I can find price wise on a pre-made one. If it seems outrageous, I'll take some measurements and see if I can talk the metals tech shop into making one for me. On the plus side, I found out the TPMS relearning procedure on the 2019 is the same as the earlier earlier models. Granted, it's an alternate method but they list the steps as the same as on my XLT. Since I already have the remote, bonus!

 

[RonD]

I bought one at my local auto parts store, its a cube with 3/8s drive hole on each side and differently spaced "studs" on each side, it has fit any rear disc brake vehicle I have tried it on

Looks like this: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71JB+-zr9vL._SY355_.jpg

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I bought one at my local auto parts store, its a cube with 3/8s drive hole on each side and differently spaced "studs" on each side, it has fit any rear disc brake vehicle I have tried it on

Looks like this: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71JB+-zr9vL._SY355_.jpg

+1. I still have one from when I had my ‘90 Eclipse.

 

[Dirtman]

Those little cubes like Ron described work fine. Alot of times the caliper is a little sticky and need a bit of pressure to start winding back in though. You can just hold the caliper and press on the ratchet but I highly recommend this style. It let's you wind, and apply pressure just by turning. You can get a kit like this for 30 bucks or less.

 

[adsm08]

Those little cubes like Ron described work fine. Alot of times the caliper is a little sticky and need a bit of pressure to start winding back in though. You can just hold the caliper and press on the ratchet but I highly recommend this style. It let's you wind, and apply pressure just by turning. You can get a kit like this for 30 bucks or less.

View attachment 32581

THIS!!!

I have had so many calipers that I had to crack the bleeder on using the cube style ones.

The one Dirtman posted only gives me trouble on calipers with LH threads, and that's more me than the tool.

 

[sgtsandman]

I bought one at my local auto parts store, its a cube with 3/8s drive hole on each side and differently spaced "studs" on each side, it has fit any rear disc brake vehicle I have tried it on

Looks like this: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71JB+-zr9vL._SY355_.jpg

I think I've seen that tool and had on clue what the heck it was. Thanks!

 

[sgtsandman]

Those little cubes like Ron described work fine. Alot of times the caliper is a little sticky and need a bit of pressure to start winding back in though. You can just hold the caliper and press on the ratchet but I highly recommend this style. It let's you wind, and apply pressure just by turning. You can get a kit like this for 30 bucks or less.

What is the kit called? A caliper kit?

 

[adsm08]

What is the kit called? A caliper kit?

I think they are just called "caliper compressor kits". You can use them on both kinds of calipers.

 

[sgtsandman]

I think they are just called "caliper compressor kits". You can use them on both kinds of calipers.

Found it. Thanks!

 

[RonD]

I think they are just called "caliper compressor kits". You can use them on both kinds of calipers.

No, a C-clamp is a caliper compressor kit

 

[Dirtman]

No, a C-clamp is a caliper compressor kit

That's been my standard caliper tool for decades. I had a buddy come over and do his brakes in my garage, when he asked for a caliper tool I handed him a chunk of metal and a big c-clamp...

Apparently this was not up to his standards so he went out and bought me one of these things. I haven't used a c clamp again.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ive always just used a c clamp.

Broke a few over the years trying to get certain ones compressed though.

 

[sgtsandman]

That's been my standard caliper tool for decades. I had a buddy come over and do his brakes in my garage, when he asked for a caliper tool I handed him a chunk of metal and a big c-clamp...

Apparently this was not up to his standards so he went out and bought me one of these things. I haven't used a c clamp again.

View attachment 32657

I don’t have that tool but do have one of those tools with a plate on one side and a small jack screw with a rotating cup on the end. I often use my brake spoon to bridge the cup in the caliper piston to press the piston in. It works. A C-Clamp would work just as well but I didn’t have one at the time and this was cheaper.

Now with having a vehicle that needs something else, time to buy more tools. Amazon had the above mentioned kit for $20 shipped. Cheaper than what the auto parts stores or Harbor Freight wanted and with more components. Win-win.