Caliper Piston Compression Hack

In the event that you don't have the right tools to compress your brake caliper pistons, simply have a C-clamp close by to do the trick

[xerolift]

you call it a "hack"
I call it "the way I've always done it"

[marlobreding]

Top Tech tip from a master technician. Don't forget to open the bleeder screw because you don't want to push all that gak back into your ABS system and master cylinder. The more you know.

[SageandMe]

This video is a life saver 💪🏿my son decided to change the brake pads without ever being under the hood. He had parts everywhere with no brake compression hope in sight. Much Respect 👍🏿

[Boot_]

This is old school been doing this for 30+ years. Goes easier if you take the cap off the reservoir

[russelldesabre]

You can also take a flat screwdriver insert it in the hole on the outside of the caliper and pry out on the outside pad to push the caliper piston in (this way you can’t put to much pressure on the piston (if there is a problem with the piston)and you won’t pinch the boot on the piston either)

[robertgembala]

I’m with everyone else hear that’s the way I’ve always done it, great video 👍

[stanmarr]

What about the newer pistons that needs to be turned while compressed?

[YoPierrrr]

Found this video at the perfect time doing my brakes for the first time. Thanks!

[DOMBITTALOR]

I just use a very large set of channel locks, same thing i use for oil filters

[Letsjustbehonesttoday]

I thought a C-Clamp was a Caliper Compression Tool among other uses? Well, I guess I haven't been wrong.

[tonydelgado]

Why didn't you open the bleed valve to get extra air in the line out?

[johnanderson]

Caliper compression tool is the C clamp. So if I don't have it, how should I compress it ?

[davidkuhn]

However some rear brake pistons need to be turned when they are pushed back in.

[robdrew]

So once you get that piston in, it will stay there? Someone told me you just need a screwdriver to force the caliper slide and it will push the piston in.

[e.s.bryant]

The C clamp is a compression tool. How I have always done it.

[SquatSimp]

If it doesn't require a lot of force can you do the job without a C clamp?

[johnspieth]

This is awesome—thank you. Wish all videos were as useful and direct to the point! 🎉

[timmturner]

You forgot to add in doing this you will be pushing brake fluid back into the reservoir so if it's already full it will potentially overflow so it makes sense to either pull some fluid out if full or place something to catch it.

I've been doing this for over 30 years, never found the need for any other tool.

[LayZeeDawg]

Wait... there's a caliper piston compression tool?

[robertjamesschumache]

I would be careful with newer veh, open the bleed valve so you don't force fluid up past abs or auto braking system causing damage.