Planet 9

**esaam ismail** · #1 09-01-2008, 05:33 AM

Anyone have one of these? This would make changing pads super easy and fast! But $225, maybe for a professional pit crew.
eBay Store - Girodisc store: Caliper piston spreader: Girodisc Caliper piston spreader tool

**K-Man S** · #2 09-01-2008, 05:40 AM

Looks cool, but I find a pair of channel lock pliers works just as well and is a heck of a lot less expensive...

If you get one, let us know how it is!

elh0102 · #3 09-01-2008, 01:47 PM

As easy as pad changes are on this car, I can't imagine buying a specialty tool to spread the pistons. I also use channel lock pliers.

wpmjr · #4 09-01-2008, 02:19 PM

Channel locks? You guys are spend-thrifts! I use a flat screw driver.

**Gilles** · #5 09-01-2008, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by wpmjr

Channel locks? You guys are spend-thrifts! I use a flat screw driver.

WPMJR;

I used the screw driver 'technique' since learning to change the pads on my first X1/9 back in 1983

However, I learn about the channel pliers Here on the CC and could not believe how much easier and quick it is. Viva CC ...!

**KS-CS** · #6 09-01-2008, 03:30 PM

Ditto with above - I stupidly bought one of the caliper spreaders like the picture below (about $40) which I have never used, since I can easily accomplish the same thing with a pair of 8" pliers.

**consolidated** · #7 09-01-2008, 05:46 PM

pliers? sissies, just use the pad you took out as a pry.

**QShip** · #8 09-01-2008, 08:11 PM

I use channel-lock (the handles) too. Don't you risk marring the piston faces with a screwdriver? I thought that was a no-no.

**K-Man S** · #9 09-01-2008, 08:27 PM

If anyone wants to work on brakes, I have just the project for you....

See: http://www.planet-9.com/automotive...ars-later.html

wpmjr · #10 09-01-2008, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by QShip

I use channel-lock (the handles) too. Don't you risk marring the piston faces with a screwdriver? I thought that was a no-no.

I pry against the anti-squeal pucks which I separated from the original pads.

***DaveN007*** · #11 09-01-2008, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by consolidated

pliers? sissies, just use the pad you took out as a pry.

Then, use your fingers to push the pistons in.

**KS-CS** · #12 09-02-2008, 12:56 AM

. . . about 1 minute.

The Final Jeopardy question: How long does it take to change a Cayman Brake pad?

Originally Posted by esaam ismail

Anyone have one of these? This would make changing pads super easy and fast! . . .

It really doesn't get much easier or faster.

**PistolPete** · #13 09-02-2008, 01:54 AM

HAHA, great video, thank you!

Are the rear pads basically the same setup?

Any issues with the factory shims and backing plates?

**Slatfatf** · #14 09-02-2008, 02:11 AM

Originally Posted by KS-CS

. . . about 1 minute.

The Final Jeopardy question: How long does it take to change a Cayman Brake pad?

It really doesn't get much easier or faster.

LOL!!! That's great! With all the hand shaking going on, I'm trying to decide if the technician was nervous, had just had a triple espresso, or has the DT's!!

**KS-CS** · #15 09-02-2008, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by PistolPete13

HAHA, great video, thank you!

Are the rear pads basically the same setup?

Any issues with the factory shims and backing plates?

Except for the pad size they are the same procedure. The only issue with the shims was that they were stuck to the OEM pads the first time I changed them out. I switch out my track pads often enough now that they don't stick.

Originally Posted by Fort Felker

LOL!!! That's great! With all the hand shaking going on, I'm trying to decide if the technician was nervous, had just had a triple espresso, or has the DT's!!

Performance anxiety . . .

Gator Bite · #16 09-02-2008, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by KS-CS

. . . about 1 minute.

The Final Jeopardy question: How long does it take to change a Cayman Brake pad?

It really doesn't get much easier or faster.

KS-CS,

That is priceless. Amazing... I just learned something. Thank you...!

I bet if you called the dealer and asked about installing track pads they'd tell you it takes 7.25 hours per wheel. Oh man. Watch out.... Those guys are going to take out a contract on you.....

wpmjr · #17 09-02-2008, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by KS-CS

. . . about 1 minute.

The Final Jeopardy question: How long does it take to change a Cayman Brake pad?

It really doesn't get much easier or faster.

That is great. Now for a serious issue: the second time or so I changed out to track pads I had a very unsettling feeling of mushy bad brakes (even though I had seated them in). My local tech told me the still-new piston seals were square, so they might be holding the piston away from the pad a little and giving that mushy feeling. Now I make sure it is a tight fit to squeeze my pads back in, so the pistons aren't starting from too far away and the seals have too much 'memory' of their starting position.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Did you find a different cause/solution?

Gator Bite · #18 09-02-2008, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by wpmjr

That is great. Now for a serious issue: the second time or so I changed out to track pads I had a very unsettling feeling of mushy bad brakes (even though I had seated them in). My local tech told me the still-new piston seals were square, so they might be holding the piston away from the pad a little and giving that mushy feeling. Now I make sure it is a tight fit to squeeze my pads back in, so the pistons aren't starting from too far away and the seals have too much 'memory' of their starting position.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Did you find a different cause/solution?

Hmmm...... I don't know..... I'm not saying it can't be, but I sort of have a hard time believing that the rubber seals would be stiff enough to pull the pistons in. Is that what he was suggesting? What happened when you put the street pads back in? Any improvement?

Nitro8472 · #19 09-05-2008, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by KS-CS

. . . about 1 minute.

The Final Jeopardy question: How long does it take to change a Cayman Brake pad?

It really doesn't get much easier or faster.

Wow, that was great

________________________

"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!

mooty · #20 09-05-2008, 04:24 AM

the tool is $$$.
but if you have ever had to change pads in b/n sessions when the calipers is HOT, you will appreciate it.

i scoffed at it first. then i used my friend's..... i bought it that night. it's like impact wrench. you dont need it, but once you used it, you cannot do without one.