Customer Reviews

Astro Pneumatic 78618 Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool Set - 18 Piece

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Used on a 9 year old Nissan where both rear pistons were very difficult to retract, but with a lot of effort this tool eventually got it done. The set is very sturdy and strong, and importantly, the backplate and adapter on this tool are not too thick, which is good because if your rear brake pads are virtually gone the piston will have extended quite far into the caliper, so there won't be a lot of room to fit the tool if it was too thick. This was the case with my rear pads, almost gone and piston sticking way out into the caliper, but fortunately this tool fit without any problems. I do kind of wish the T-handle were a big longer to allow better leverage when trying to twist the handle since in my case the piston really fought being retracted, and I guess it would be nice if the handle were thicker as well, not because it needs the strength, but because it'd be easier to hold while cranking on it. As it was, I put a foot long piece of 1" metal tubing over the handle to get more torque. The instructions provided with the tool do specify which car makes use which adapter, though it wouldn't be that hard to figure it out yourself, but it did save a bit of time having this. The red case is a fairly sturdy plastic but I wish the case was a simple square box rather than sloping down back to front so I could stack it with other box shaped cases or put things on it, but obviously not something critical to the tool. Overall, great tool.

Why didn't I buy one of these years ago? If I had, I would have saved a few hundred on new calipers (which I had busted trying to incorrectly compress the piston). This tool works perfectly to wind back caliper pistons. One of its many adapters fit my Mazda 6 perfectly. Brake job literally took 5 minutes from start to finish using this tool. You will NOT regret this purchase.

Just used this for my 2002 Jetta wagon. Nice tool - as long as you understand how to crank and to adjust with the sleeve. You can't just crank - or you wind up with your rear pistons in but the tool stuck in place.

I've always used the old C clamp technique for discs without the parking brake - this was much easier. Great for front and back.

I didn't want to deal with the hassle of trying to screw in the pistons in my rear brakes with a needlenose pliars and this tool worked perfectly. It's great for the fronts as well as you don't need a C-clamp. Just buy it an then you'll have it. I only needed the tool for my Mazda 3s (2005) but it seems as though it'll fit quite a few car models.

The tool is the way to go when doing rear disc brakes on new cars.
It makes the job safer and faster to do.

I've always had a hard time rotating pistons back into the caliper on rear discs with an integrated parking brake. This tool applies pressure and rotation at the same time. The instructions only tell you which disc to use on a particular car, but not how to use the tool itself. I am a good amateur, but not a pro mechanic by any means, and I still figured it out quickly. The key is to tighten the collar that is threaded over the central "screw". Keep adjusting it so the disc contacting the piston is tight against it. It loosens up as the piston re-enters the bore, so you need to keep adjusting it to keep the pressure on the piston, or the disc falls away from the piston and you'll get frustrated.

This is a good solid product that fits nicely in its case.

I got the 18 piece set just so I won't be annoyed the one time in life I come across a car that needs one of the extra pieces.

Note that you can typically barrow one of these from your local auto parts store, although I consider that an unnecessary hassle.

I like others, have done the needlenose pliers method of compression for turning in caliper pistons on prior brake jobs. Rather than buying the cheap, cube-shaped tool, I bought this type of tool based on a recommendation on a forum. I can't believe I've gone this long without it! When used properly, it uses pressure on the inside of the caliper to help compress the piston as you turn. No having to shove as you twist. The adapter I needed for this car fit well and didn't slip in the slots. Using this tool (on Ford 500 rear brakes this time), it litterally took longer to jack the car up and pull the wheel than it did to compress the piston! The tool seems very well made and this last job needed both the right- and left-hand threaded tools - as provided - for different sides of the car. I didn't even have to worry about the adapter falling off, as there is a small magnet that holds the adapter to the tool. It's the details that make a difference.

No more damaging the calipers, no more braking screwdrivers trying to pry out the pistons... Wind back your pistons now with ease, with this set of tool you can literally wind back any piston on domestic or imported cars effortless. Highly recommended!!!

Use this tool to replace brakepads to my car and my relatives. It makes the job easier and faster. Highly recommend to others.