Easy and Cheap way to Compress a Brake Caliper Piston Without Any Special Tools

This is a cheap and simple way to compress a brake caliper piston without the need for any special tools. All you need is a couple of small pieces of wood and a couple of screwdrivers. This method works with most front brake calipers as the pistons push straight back into the caliper. It will not work with most rear brake caliper pistons as they have to be rotated as they are being pushed in due to the integrated handbrake mechanism. This video shows how to compress a rear brake caliper both with, and without special tools: • Rear Brake Caliper Pis...
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Under no circumstances will Screwsnutsandbolts be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in this video, whether by Screwsnutsandbolts or a third party. In no event shall Screwsnutsandbolts be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits arising out of or in connection with the availability, use or performance of any information communicated in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Screwsnutsandbolts, it cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Screwsnutsandbolts assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Screwsnutsandbolts recommends safe practices when performing any do it yourself repairs and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Screwsnutsandbolts, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Screwsnutsandbolts.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Here's a video showing how to compress a rear caliper piston both with, and without special tools: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKS8eJZro92Xpsk

[@LloydBrodrick-ne5ei]

I tend to use my wood working trigger clamp but have also used those door lifting air bags.

[@RockinProfessor]

Nice QUIET Video....just the welcome sounds of happy bird calls in background....🐦🐦❤

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@TheInevitableHulk]

Using the old brake pads is very clever. The applied force is evenly distributed and any damage that could occur would only be to the old brake pads that you're going to throw out any way. Thanks so much.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching !

[@jacksrus]

Retired, but every days a school day, great tip thanks for your time doing this video

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !, thanks for watching !

[@chooseanameforme888]

Brilliant!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@jeffsadowski7759]

Thank you sir! You saved the day. Was doing a brake pad job and I didn't have a C clamp. Had a caliper tool, but the piston wouldn't budge. Found a block of wood and this worked like a charm. God bless you!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome

[@javatar1900]

great video, thank you!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You are welcome!

[@DavidxLB]

This got me out of a tight spot, thank you

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@stevenvecciarelli4679]

Lifesaver. I've done plenty of brake jobs and never had a problem compressing the caliper with a C clamp but today it would not budge. I was ready to give up and buy a new caliper thinking it was bad but then I came across the trick with the screwdrivers and it worked like a charm. I don't think I will ever use a C clamp again. Thanks.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@robertmartin1269]

Just did this with the 2 screw drivers, worked like a charm!

[@IMfanclub1]

Thanks for sharing

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome

[@aala7337]

Happened to do this yesterday changing brake pads used the wood method,worked a treat!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@philmissen2365]

Too easy, thanks

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@comedycafe3262]

I use a big C clamp against the old brake pad and gently tighten it. Compresses the piston evenly. Very easy to do.

[@jayjaynella4539]

I use a 6 inch c clamp. And or compressed air with a block of wood to keep the piston in its bore, but be free to remove the piston after the blast.

[@nevinkuser9892]

That is indeed the best way. C clamps are cheap too. Not a specialized tool by any means.

[@VykersTechTips]

same here im using c clamp

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching my video. If you found this or any of my other videos helpful, maybe you could consider supporting my channel by using the ‘Thanks’ button below each of my videos. Your support would be really appreciated, thank you ! 👍 Screwsnutsandbolts

[@PhunkyChikin]

Brilliant! Excellent video. Thank you!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@ScreamingRabbits]

Love you for this right now.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@iWalkChris]

Wow! Very smooth! Well done!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@savinggracechurch4112]

Brilliant video thanks for uploading.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@joethetraveller2755]

My mechanic told me to buy a new one but i kept searching videos and could find yours. Thank you so much for this awesome video!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !

[@lancetaylor6976]

Thanks!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you very much Lance, I appreciate your support ! 👍👍

[@reallychadical]

Bless you.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@ab-kn1gg]

Wow! Thanks!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@olenaerhardt7725]

That is a great technique I've never seen before. What I like in this approach that you can compress the piston without removing pads. On one of our cars (2003 Chevy Cavalier) the outer pad is locked w/special clamps, you need to have 2 screwdriver to put it back. And sometimes you just need to remove the caliper fm/the disc for other jobs. It is usually hard for me to put the caliper back on the disc, though I open the brake fluid cap. Thank you for this so clever tip.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching !

[@frankhoward7645]

Great video. Here's a tip. Before you compress the piston, spray the rubber dust shield with silicon. It will prolong the life of the rubber.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for the info!

[@babygurlcrazy]

You just saved me! With using the old brake pad trick 💕🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@RideAMAP]

Best video on the KZbin. Been working on cars for 40 years and just now I see this?! so much time wasted!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@abdelhafidramdani7393]

Thanks man, nice.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@Tripp111]

Thank you.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@AcuraJ32]

Nice work!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks!

[@Tuan-DuongNgo]

So So smart SIR!!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@ltfkdk861]

nice one!!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@markwilliams2830]

What a great tip! Thanks also for demonstrating the Cube.I wasn't aware that such a tool was available. Much cheaper than the standard one. Thanks again for a great channel.M

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you as always :)

[@samwu8070]

wow, it's such a clever maneuver.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@jamkpa]

Good ideas.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks!

[@cleeguitar]

For whatever reason I couldn’t be bothered to think this through. I became irritated with myself for procrastinating on KZbin as a ‘shortcut.’ I got chills from the sound of chirping birds in the background as I understood that I was getting what I actually needed: self-compassion, gratitude, a still mind. Oh yeah, and the practical solution that I needed.

[@jacobuskai4594]

Thanks buddie!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@chachouachokri7860]

Many thanks for this easy way. I will try it next time.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome :)

[@besmart6063]

That helped me

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@SAM-tw6ld]

Nice and simple idea..❤

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@leninvega3158]

Thanks for the info.. I was so close to calling it quits. Thanks alot

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@dtownzfinest8608]

Saved me time and money 💡

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@gabrielortiz9594]

aye man I did this right here and it worked perfectly, thanks.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !

[@javalos3655]

Just used this technique at 1am . You sir are a life saver

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@javalos3655]

Used it again on the front breaks 😤 haha

[@ThomasNappo]

Well done bro..

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@KINGCVSEY]

BLESSS YOUUUU!! A big pain in the ass (I literally used a mini square of wood) but my caliper is now compressed with the screwdriver method. Thank you!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching !

[@galimusic7164]

Excellent explanation! I will try your method as soon as i have to replace the pads (never replaced them as a DIY mechanic, by the way) Thanks:)

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@homeschoolingandawareness]

You just saved me some money. Thanks. 👍🏿

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@imwmanish]

Great 👍 work ✅

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@7maszi7]

I can confirm the wood method works :D Thanks for sharing

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@danstheory4164]

Instead of wood planks, i use a pair of wrenches and the old brake pads. Thanks for the idea. It saved me a lot of time looking for clamps.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !

[@martinhann1672]

Why didn’t I think of this! However, in my opinion, the bleed nipple should be opened to release the fluid displaced by the calliper piston as it’s pushed back. The reason? The fluid in the calliper is old and has been subject to a lot of heat so should be discarded. Also, as the fluid is pushed back into the master cylinder, it can occasionally push back the floating piston where it can stick because it travels into the unused part of the cylinder.

[@krazy.88]

bravismo. that worked great. thanks!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You''re welcome !

[@troytavarez3883]

😀thank you so much friend i really needed to learn this. 🙂🙂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !

[@robertgarrett7007]

Damn! That works great. Wish I’d known this years ago. I’ve been using a c-clamp. Thank You!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@patosaavedra1]

you saved my life, thanks!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@mumtazzafar1576]

Great great tip pal. Thnx so much

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

No problem 👍

[@kaleabzenebe1407]

Thank you very much sir, u saved me a lotttt of trouble

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome

[@MainGhoul]

Thanks for the idea

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@kurniawanayyas6362]

Absolutely Good idea

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you :)

[@DDOAgaming]

I was about to lose my sanity..then I watched this video..worked great. Thank you

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching !

[@patrikandersson703]

Thanks. Really helped me alot

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@topautos]

Excellent video

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you very much! :)

[@nikosilvis4568]

Your a life saver my brakes started grinding so I went to replace them realized I didn’t have a C clamp and thought I was screwed

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@khalidarshad3448]

I have got the rotation ones any simpler way to do them please please very good and clever trick

[@godblessyou9743]

That if F'ing class mate 👌 definitely doing it this way don't have the tool anymore and apparently never needed it. If you came up with this idea you're a genius

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you ! :)

[@Kalle398]

Phantastischer Trick, um den Kolben reinzudrücken.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@abnwil3873]

Absolute legend

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@resistireland694]

Brilliant...

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@KilosFlo]

Omg worked like a charm just gotta be strong to do it😂

[@moisesr7840]

I met this Guatemalan guy who would come up with techniques like such, him growing up poor couldn't buy tools he had to figure things out with whatever he can come up with and improvised tools. He once patched my flat bicycle tire by just pulling the hole and tying it with 15 inches of waxed thread cord. That tired never leaked.

[@Johny40Se7en]

Brilliant tips using the pieces of wood. Wood's better because they won't wreck the brake pads(if you plan to reuse them).

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@bodiemitchell3091]

My savior

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@jamesmartin7559]

Like that idea bro👍

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@timkayjr2958]

Saved my ass after the kids lost the C Clamp and the car is already all apart with no ride to buy another one I appreciate you👍

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome ! :)

[@kaleabzenebe1407]

Sameee

[@cassk9999]

Excellent video another TIP, remember to clean the rubber boot cover on the piston before you push dust and crud back into the pistons prolongs their life and prevent them seizing up

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you, and thanks for the tip !

[@frankhoward7645]

Best thing to do is spray some silicone on the rubber dust cover before pushing it back in. Silicone will extend the life of the rubber cover.

[@404SportzCardz]

With what?

[@silasfirsthand]

This did the trick. The simple physics of leverage. Thanks a million bud.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@jayclippers3592]

Thanks really helpful

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@silasmar8352]

And thanks for helping

[@Zly-Porucznik]

What a great idea!!! No need to buy any spreader tool especially to be used probably only once in my live. I know similar old school idea with two crowbars, but this is more efficient and safe. Crowbars can slip and make some dents to car body or damage the paint. Thanks

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching !

[@murryslims9695]

Very creative and thank you for sharing your video. I really enjoyed watching the technique.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@FairladyZ1991]

Thank you, Sir/Ma'am!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome!

[@094340]

Excellent hack!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@hanandezmuamaarr7809]

very helpful

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks for watching !

[@sprayatwill]

Thank you sir 👍🏾

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're very welcome !

[@jury1phok]

You're video saved the day, um now night lol could NOT get the AutoZone compression tool to work watch this helped me understand how the tool worked. Next time I'll save $60 rental fee and get a block of wood lol

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome lol :)

[@lanky6297]

This is nice and easy thanx a lot

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome !

[@Passengervehicles]

Very good

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

Thank you!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome!

[@waveyting3788]

wow thank you so much 👍🏽

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome! :)

[@davidqi8073]

OMG, I don’t know who this guy is but if I ever meet him, I will kiss him! What a life saver! Love you bro!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks lol

[@gazliberation]

Works a treat! Great video

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@bradi5050]

I just put an old break pad against the piston n use a c clamp works great only time I do it diff is when there screw in pistons then I use the tool for that

[@souadsalhi550]

Bravo!

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thank you !

[@Wheelingoffthewrench]

I compress calipers before pulling. Sometimes a pry bar works but I jus use a c-clamp

[@705johnnyboy]

i use a small g clamp and can never find the dam thing when i want it .great idea ,i will try this when my pads are ready cheers...

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome

[@Wheelingoffthewrench]

Brake fluid level is determined on pad wear Never add brake fluid without checking why it’s low first

[@twinciti2962]

@wheeling thank you Karen for the service announcement

[@Shadow-wj1dp]

Stop bashing the name KAREN idiot.

[@bruteento255]

Thank you

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome

[@glennsampson5945]

That's a nice method. I've always used a C-clamp and the old brake pad to compress the piston.

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Thanks !

[@richardhampton4612]

I’ve used a G clamp for this on many many vehicles… as it’s tightened by hand it’s very slow and gentle…