So I was flipping through my service manual the other day, and I noted that according to it, there is a special tool required to set back the rear brakes in place during a brake pad replacement. First question, is it just the rear brakes or the fronts also? Second question, do I really have to do it over just using a C-clamp to press them back into place? I've never used this tool nor do I have one. Is it a standard tool or some specialty tool made specifically by dodge and I have to buy one that fits it exactly? I don't need to change my brakes yet, but I'd like to get ahead of this thing if I'm going to need a special tool. I heard some people have used needle nose pliers but that sounds like a pain in the a$$. I'd rather c-clamp it unless I'm going to ACTUALLY damage the calipers. Thanks!
1) Just the rears 2) They have to be pushed in while turning 3) Buy or rent the tool, it makes life easy and eliminates potential damage.
Big difference between Gen II non-ABS (1996-2000) and ABS (2001-2002) Viper when it comes to changing rear pads.
Just throwing a c-clamp on there is no good. You have to twist it while pushing in. With my 97 non-abs I've always just used some heavy duty needle-nose pillars to stick in the two little divots. Then twisted clock-wise while pushing in to get the piston to go back enough to fit a fresh pad. Steve. How about elaborating on the diff between abs & non-abs...
Gents, So I have to twist WHILE pushing in? The tool it showed looks basically like it twists itself in. I assume if you have to twist AND push it in, then it must be easy to push it while twisting and I won't need something like a c-clamp right?? Or am I going to have to do some sort of juggling act where I am turning a c-clamp for pressure while also turning this special key to spin the caliper back in? @Daveq where can I buy or rent this tool? Any idea if it's a special tool just for Viper (or Mopar) or if it's some sort of standardized tool for all of these "twist-type" caliper pistons? Thanks guys for all the input!
This does not work. U will need the kit unless someone knows of a source to purchase the individual piece needed
Any auto parts store will rent them. Basically looks like a block with pins (have multiple in kit for different pistons) In It to fit on the piston and a clamp. Google "rear brake tool" it will make sense when you see it. Tool is cheap as well..
More twist. Less push. errr... maybe the other way around... Honestly, its a PITA using the needle-nose pillars. Requires some brute force and luck. lol
If you are speaking from actual experience pertaining to the viper then please search and post a picture of the actual tool that you know will work.
Talon, excuse me if I missed it...but, what year is your Viper ?? Different years of Gen II's require different tool(s) and different procedure.
You must spin the caliper while pushing it in. I think I used needle nose pliers. One caliper was more difficult than the other, but once you get it to crack and start turning, I found it fairly simple to turn as long as you focus and keep a steady firm hand.
I saw a viper tech use a socket that he ground down to make the little exposed pins out of the socket wall that was left.. He made his own tool.
This is the original tool. Like most of them it is manufactured by Miller (not the brewing company). I once found it on Ebay but there are other stores in the net as well.
Thanks, Talon...you can use the small spanner shown above...MUCH easier to use (and cheaper to buy) then the tool for ABS Gen II Vipers. Insert tool into the two dimples on the piston and turn it clockwise while pushing to "screw" piston back into place. Take great care when reinstalling the anti-rattle spring.
So the consensus is to just keep an eye out on EBAY? I haven't seen anyone post about where I might be able to find this tool online, and it sounds like the "any automotive store" option isn't likely to have the right one that will actually work.
There are three of them on ebay right now, there are other companys that are selling them. Google "Miller 6366 brake tool".
Mopar Steve... is this the tool you're referring to? http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Disc-Brake-Caliper-Tool-Set-Great-Neck-Tool/_/R-BK_7768024_0379558298 Frankly, I'd rather by a kit that has multiple available in case down the road I need some variant. The damn miller tool alone that I find on Ebay is $30. Seriously $30 for a small hunk of steel with a couple tabs on the end. If I can get the NAPA kit that has everything it would seem like a better idea. Anybody use this kit? Dom426H is that kit yours in your picture? Any problems or experiences anybody can share with these kits?
Well, if you are feeling lucky, you CAN TRY a stout pair of needle nose pliers...noting that if the piston is in a bind, you may fail...and, possible risk tearing the dust boot.
