Brake wind back tool for '08 Focus

[leakey]

Howdy Focii.

I'm going to do my brakes, and as has been discussed many times, the rears will require a specific tool to wind back the calipers.

Does anyone know if the '08 update model requires both left and right tool for the calipers? I know an M7 allen key is also required.

I found this kit in the UK, which says it should work, and was wondering if anyone else had purchased this kit?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360234259...84.m1423.l2649

I also contacted a mob called AB Tools in the UK, via ebay, who were really helpful, and had a cheaper item, but were not 100% sure that it would fit my car, so suggested I didnt buy it. Nice to find someone who worries about a little more than just the sale.

Obviously, doing the job myself, I am trying to save some serious dough, as I just am not able to fork out what specialists are asking.

The rotors and pads are also going to be an ebay purchase from redline, who supply both pads and rotors as a pack. (F&R)

Love to hear an experiences folks have had doing their own brakes, especially on LT onwards.

Cheers, Mark

[Foconatic]

Originally Posted by leakey

Howdy Focii.

I'm going to do my brakes, and as has been discussed many times, the rears will require a specific tool to wind back the calipers.

Does anyone know if the '08 update model requires both left and right tool for the calipers? I know an M7 allen key is also required.

I found this kit in the UK, which says it should work, and was wondering if anyone else had purchased this kit?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360234259...84.m1423.l2649

I also contacted a mob called AB Tools in the UK, via ebay, who were really helpful, and had a cheaper item, but were not 100% sure that it would fit my car, so suggested I didnt buy it. Nice to find someone who worries about a little more than just the sale.

Obviously, doing the job myself, I am trying to save some serious dough, as I just am not able to fork out what specialists are asking.

The rotors and pads are also going to be an ebay purchase from redline, who supply both pads and rotors as a pack. (F&R)

Love to hear an experiences folks have had doing their own brakes, especially on LT onwards.

Cheers, Mark

Sometimes if the calliper piston isn't too seized and if the piston top has 'V' groves in them,a nose pliers can be used to spin the piston and at the same time applying pressure to push it in. You can also crack the brake bleeder nipple to make the process easier, but you may have to bleed the brakes after that. Careful with the pliers, if it slips out of the groves you could pinch your hand. Keep the calliper on one of it's slide bolts so you don't have to hold it with the other hand

[leakey]

- awesome! thanks for the tip.

I've also been looking at some of my redundant socket sets, with a view to grinding one of them down to create two 'tabs'.

[Foconatic]

Originally Posted by leakey

- awesome! thanks for the tip.

I've also been looking at some of my redundant socket sets, with a view to grinding one of them down to create two 'tabs'.

Good idea with the socket set. While pushing the calliper piston in, just turn the piston in one direction only.

[fonfe]

Originally Posted by Foconatic

Sometimes if the calliper piston isn't too seized and if the piston top has 'V' groves in them,a nose pliers can be used to spin the piston and at the same time applying pressure to push it in. You can also crack the brake bleeder nipple to make the process easier, but you may have to bleed the brakes after that. Careful with the pliers, if it slips out of the groves you could pinch your hand. Keep the calliper on one of it's slide bolts so you don't have to hold it with the other hand

I would be more concerned about slipping and punching a hole in the rubber piston seal and causing the piston to seize later on in life.
Any universal caliper wind back tool is fine, best to pay for good quality such as a snap on blue point kit as the thread on the winder will strip if the pistons are tight.

[Foconatic]

Originally Posted by fonfe

I would be more concerned about slipping and punching a hole in the rubber piston seal and causing the piston to seize later on in life.
Any universal caliper wind back tool is fine, best to pay for good quality such as a snap on blue point kit as the thread on the winder will strip if the pistons are tight.

That is true too. By his first post I dont think investing in a special tool will be worth it if he is only going to use it once in a while.