Rear Brake Tools
- Replacing rear brakes requires specific tools.wheel image by sasha from Fotolia.com
Changing the rear brakes on a car, truck or van is best left to those with extensive knowledge of auto repair. It can be a difficult procedure, and requires specific tools. If you decide to replace your rear brake shoes or pads, use only the correct tools, jack your vehicle on the front end and disassemble only one side a a time. Consult your owner's manual and educate yourself about the tools and process in advance. - The rear brake tool is is used to retract the caliper piston when removing the old and reinstalling the new brake pads. Use this tool to screw the new piston in a clockwise direction. This tool is generally included in rear brake tool kits.
- Needle nose pliers are necessary in various steps of the brake change process. They are used to remove the parking brake lock pin and clevis pin, to assist in pulling wires through caliper bolts, to move cables out of the way, and to reinstall the lock pin.
- A socket set and torque wrenches are used in many steps for removing and replacing parts such as caliper bolts and brake hose brackets. These tools are also used when removing and replacing tires before and after working on brakes. Some steps require minimal use of sockets and wrenches and necessitate hand-tightening to prevent stripping of nuts and bolts.
- Additional tools for changing the real brakes include caliper drivers, brake piston caliper, brake piston press, spreader, wire, high temperature grease, brake cleaner, piston rotation tool, cloth or towels and new pads. A disc brake replacement tool set will save you money over the purchase of individual tools.
