Thank you for posting. I was pulling my hair out on getting the back caliper piston retracted then I watched your video. I went to Harbor Freight and picked up the caliper tool and my day improved dramatically.
thank you, very great instruction and precise description of tools and sizes,subscribed and liked,i have a 2003 jetta and will soon do brakes,will get correct tools cuz of you. thanks
Thank you very much for explaining this! I had the tool to rotate & compress the piston but was using it incorrectly until I saw your video. Thank you!
Also, the brake job tool kit I rented from Advance Auto Parts included a disc for rotating and compressing the caliper piston; that disc also had a square hole in it's center which accepts a 3/8" drive ratchet. The piston in my caliper wouldn't rotate using the compression tool. I was only able to compress the piston into the caliper by using the disc and a ratchet to turn the disc & therefore the piston. As I rotated the piston with the ratchet the piston recessed into the caliper.
I was doing rear brakes on my son's Mazda 3, and it had a piston retracting system like this. So I ordered the kit, but didn't notice there are two shanks that come with it, one of which is counter-threaded. I ended up extending the piston out so far, it was completely stuck, and I could not even remove the tool, to get the other one in. I was at a loss, until I decided to open the bleeder, and use a combination of screw driver pressure, and wide pliers to twist and push the piston back. it took a long time to get it moved much, but as soon as I could swap put the tool, and replace it with the right shank, it ended up okay.
This is a must for beginners. I saw a different video and did not bother mention that specific twist push must. You just save me 💯 s!! Thank you so much!!
I’ve just done REAR on 2013 Golf with Electronic Parking Brake. The caliper piston just goes “straight” in! However, on a VW Polo with Manual Parking Brake the special caliper piston “wind back” tool is required!
my buddie's a mechanic, and I was doing the rear brakes on my VW and didnt have this tool so I asked him and he just took an extension for a ratchet and pressed it against the piston and twisted and got the piston all they way in, no special tools needed. It kind of became a two man job as I had to hold the caliper with both hands but once he got enough pressure on the piston and twisted the extension getting it back in was no problem.
I am having same problem .I am turning the piston using vise grips but need to push on it too I guess ! I have to buy the tool to do it ,or put a C clamp to push in the piston while I spin with vise grips!
Hi. Good video. I am trying to help out friends doing rear brakes on the 2012 Jets S Model .I have the generic square block to retract piston ,left over from a 2001 Super Beetle brake job I did . It would not fit so I was turning the piston in with a set of new vise grips .The piston is turning but not retracting .I believe the calipers piston is bad internally or else I need to get a tool like you have that pushes and turns at the same time.If I buy the Harbor Freight Universal Set should it be able to turn the piston in on the Jetta Piston ? I see guys on videos using a adapter Labeled 2 A when they are using the Lisle 2500 Caliper Piston Service Set. I was going to just buy new calipers since pistons aren't fully retracting for me ,but I am going to try retracting using the tool like you have first ! Thanks for the info
14 mm wrench and 15 mm wrench to hold the nut so it doesn't spin. To release caliper Must spin and push back the caliper piston/use special compression tool T30 for screw to slide rotor out Triple square bit m14 size for the bolts that hold the caliper and pads Use brake cleaner for new rotors. They come with special coating. Must clean off Apply grease to bolts. Apply grease to new pad ears and around piston and behind the new pad that sit on the piston. Careful not to get any on the rotors. You can do this.
@@fjb666 ah i didnt encounter that. My project wasn't pleasant in the least but i was able to pull it off. How did you manage your issue? Please divulge. I want to know. Respectfully.
@822giron6 luckily a coworker had a hex set with 11mm, just ordered an 11mm to add to my set since most hex bit socket sets skip 11mm. Fun fact, 7/16" sae hex is close at 11.13mm.
Hey, i have a passat 2012 b7 1.4 ecofuel, and im stressing myself out.. I have the scan tool to retract the caliper piston. And i bought a normal piston tool that just pushes back the piston straight. Do i need the tool that rotates the piston? And do i need any other tools to do the rear brakes? Im trying to find information but many people say different.. thanks
You did an excellent job explaining the job, just one tip i will suggest, how much was the tool from harbor freight? That would be a good piece of information to know
ALL fasteners on VW exposed to weather, will have a chemical thread locker. If you try to remove these bolts without heating the bolt to a consistent temperature of over 165* it will completely ruin the threads or more likely break the bolt off in the carrier. This is a PITA. Just heat the 12mm triple-square with a torch or even a commercial heatgun prior to removing it. PLEASE :)
@@DonziGT230 I mean, so have everyone else here. You're wrong and if you worked for a living working on any import BMW, VW, Volvo, Porshe. you know, then this statement would have not been made. Keep doing you and keep ruining threads LOL .
@@gamersroost I've been a mechanic for over 30 years, I've worked on all of those brands, I've never used heat and never ruined any threads. You're just plain wrong, accept it and move on.
@@DonziGT230 There comes a time for every DIYer to face the challenge of removing a bolt that has been treated with red high-strength threadlocker. When the factory absolutely does not want that bolt to EVER come out, they use it. It is usually necessary too, components that are critical safety items such as brakes, steering, and suspension items are often treated to a healthy slathering of the stuff. This means that you must fight it to repair or replace a damaged or worn-out component. Here are some tips on how to remove red threadlocker.
When the factory absolutely does not want that bolt to EVER come out, they use it. It is usually necessary too, components that are critical safety items such as brakes, steering, and suspension items are often treated to a healthy slathering of the stuff.
@@rewing4880 had me laughing so hard I'm crying man. I have a 14 passat wolfsburg, and this little shit can move man. My fiancee drives a ram 2500. First time she drove my car she launched herself into the seat and took a second to recover. She got out, handed me the keys, and said never again.
@@DM-yy1mc what year? How many clicks does your parking brake stop the car at? So many things can cause trouble with the rear pistons. You’re the first to disagree
@@helpontheway 2012 golf TDI have changed brakes 4 times never an issue. Only long handle needle nose and push in easily once I start turning the piston and apply pressure. I usually adjust my parking brake to 3 or 4 clicks.
I have changed the brakes on countless cars. None have been more of a nightmare than my VW. Buyer beware. Stay away from German cars unless, 1 you are rich, 2 you sell it before everything goes bad on it. Usually about 50,000 miles.
Hey, i have a passat 2012 b7 1.4 ecofuel, and im stressing myself out.. I have the scan tool to retract the caliper piston. And i bought a normal piston tool that just pushes back the piston straight. Do i need the tool that rotates the piston? And do i need any other tools to do the rear brakes? Im trying to find information but many people say different.. thanks
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q I took mine to my mechanic for the rear. Did not need front done. I supplied the calipers, and pads. He installed them for $110. I want even going to try because I was so frustrated.
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q The tool to remove the bolt that holds the caliper is a special order for my VW. I'm 54, with a chronic lung disease. Maybe if I was younger I'd go at it. I just can't these days. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck fixing yours.
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q I forgot to mention. For my rear caliper pistons, it requires a tool that rotates and compresses at the same time. If not done correctly you can damage the assembly.
Thank you for posting. I was pulling my hair out on getting the back caliper piston retracted then I watched your video. I went to Harbor Freight and picked up the caliper tool and my day improved dramatically.
Thanks ,fixing my daughters car this weekend this helps me know the size of the tools I need for the job appreciate it
You saved me brother!… was about to wrench down on my calipers, NOT rotating the piston… your video saved the day… Thanks a ton! 👊🏻
thank you, very great instruction and precise description of tools and sizes,subscribed and liked,i have a 2003 jetta and will soon do brakes,will get correct tools cuz of you. thanks
The triple square bits are also known as XZN so if someone is shopping for these tools you'll know it's the same thing.
Thank you very much for explaining this! I had the tool to rotate & compress the piston but was using it incorrectly until I saw your video. Thank you!
Also, the brake job tool kit I rented from Advance Auto Parts included a disc for rotating and compressing the caliper piston; that disc also had a square hole in it's center which accepts a 3/8" drive ratchet. The piston in my caliper wouldn't rotate using the compression tool. I was only able to compress the piston into the caliper by using the disc and a ratchet to turn the disc & therefore the piston. As I rotated the piston with the ratchet the piston recessed into the caliper.
Now this is good information. It took watching a lot of videos to get this simple explanation.
My daughters beetle has the same rear brakes. thanks
Great video man, thanks for the info.
I love this man. Easy simple explanation
Great job and very descriptive.
I was doing rear brakes on my son's Mazda 3, and it had a piston retracting system like this. So I ordered the kit, but didn't notice there are two shanks that come with it, one of which is counter-threaded. I ended up extending the piston out so far, it was completely stuck, and I could not even remove the tool, to get the other one in. I was at a loss, until I decided to open the bleeder, and use a combination of screw driver pressure, and wide pliers to twist and push the piston back. it took a long time to get it moved much, but as soon as I could swap put the tool, and replace it with the right shank, it ended up okay.
Thanks great video,to late for me I just compressed the piston on the right side and compressed and spun the left side, so far all good
You just helped me a ton. Thanks
This is a must for beginners. I saw a different video and did not bother mention that specific twist push must. You just save me 💯 s!! Thank you so much!!
Awesome video, thanks!
Great video
Thank you! This video got me out of a jam today
I’ve just done REAR on 2013 Golf with Electronic Parking Brake. The caliper piston just goes “straight” in! However, on a VW Polo with Manual Parking Brake the special caliper piston “wind back” tool is required!
Thank you friend lots of help
thank you my friend i thought i only had to use one tool i did not realize i had to push the piston too
my buddie's a mechanic, and I was doing the rear brakes on my VW and didnt have this tool so I asked him and he just took an extension for a ratchet and pressed it against the piston and twisted and got the piston all they way in, no special tools needed.
It kind of became a two man job as I had to hold the caliper with both hands but once he got enough pressure on the piston and twisted the extension getting it back in was no problem.
I am having same problem .I am turning the piston using vise grips but need to push on it too I guess ! I have to buy the tool to do it ,or put a C clamp to push in the piston while I spin with vise grips!
Hi. Good video. I am trying to help out friends doing rear brakes on the 2012 Jets S Model .I have the generic square block to retract piston ,left over from a 2001 Super Beetle brake job I did . It would not fit so I was turning the piston in with a set of new vise grips .The piston is turning but not retracting .I believe the calipers piston is bad internally or else I need to get a tool like you have that pushes and turns at the same time.If I buy the Harbor Freight Universal Set should it be able to turn the piston in on the Jetta Piston ? I see guys on videos using a adapter Labeled 2 A when they are using the Lisle 2500 Caliper Piston Service Set. I was going to just buy new calipers since pistons aren't fully retracting for me ,but I am going to try retracting using the tool like you have first ! Thanks for the info
Both breaks turn right? I see some kits that include a left turning one. I bought this set for my 2015 GTI after your recommendation. Thanks
14 mm wrench and 15 mm wrench to hold the nut so it doesn't spin. To release caliper
Must spin and push back the caliper piston/use special compression tool
T30 for screw to slide rotor out
Triple square bit m14 size for the bolts that hold the caliper and pads
Use brake cleaner for new rotors. They come with special coating. Must clean off
Apply grease to bolts. Apply grease to new pad ears and around piston and behind the new pad that sit on the piston. Careful not to get any on the rotors.
You can do this.
How about the 11mm/ 7/16" hex slide pins on the rears of some passats.
@@fjb666 ah i didnt encounter that. My project wasn't pleasant in the least but i was able to pull it off. How did you manage your issue? Please divulge. I want to know. Respectfully.
@822giron6 luckily a coworker had a hex set with 11mm, just ordered an 11mm to add to my set since most hex bit socket sets skip 11mm. Fun fact, 7/16" sae hex is close at 11.13mm.
@@fjb666 is that the pin you hold while you loosen the bolt?
@822giron6 Nah, the 11mm hex is for the caliper slide pins on 2012 and 2014 Passats; found this out this week on the 2 different customers' cars.
This only works with the parking brake released (off). Possible on a hoist, very risky on the ground with a jack.
Thank you!
So how does this work with the electric parking brake without a scanner tool?
I’m subscribed to Toyota maintenance!!
C- clamp and a pair of adjustable grench will do the work. Turn them at the same time, I just did it on a 2008 GTI.
Hey, i have a passat 2012 b7 1.4 ecofuel, and im stressing myself out.. I have the scan tool to retract the caliper piston. And i bought a normal piston tool that just pushes back the piston straight. Do i need the tool that rotates the piston? And do i need any other tools to do the rear brakes? Im trying to find information but many people say different.. thanks
How does an adjustable wrench work🤦♂️ ?
What if you have the specific tool but it still won't go back?
Is this same for VW rabbit caliper braket??
You did an excellent job explaining the job, just one tip i will suggest, how much was the tool from harbor freight? That would be a good piece of information to know
I just priced that tool at Harbor Freight it's $40. At O' Reillys autoparts, they wanted $60 to rent it.
Thank you sir
Thank you.
My Maxima and my sisters Accord have same rear calipers. I get free rental tool to push the caliper from local AutoZone or O’Reillys
I can’t get the piston to turn. Any tips??
Thanks
our family owns 2 VW and i cange the brakes by rotating and pressing the brake cylinder by hand. not easy but it works...
How do you do that?
@@toddkazlauskas671 well long nose pliers work too.
I wouldn't mess with you if you can push and turn that piston in by hand! You prob can tear NYC phone book in half with that kind of strength !
super
You look and sound like the guy in Toyota Maintenance UA-cam Channel
List the tools please
ALL fasteners on VW exposed to weather, will have a chemical thread locker. If you try to remove these bolts without heating the bolt to a consistent temperature of over 165* it will completely ruin the threads or more likely break the bolt off in the carrier. This is a PITA. Just heat the 12mm triple-square with a torch or even a commercial heatgun prior to removing it. PLEASE :)
BS. I've worked on a lot of VWs and never used heat.
@@DonziGT230 I mean, so have everyone else here. You're wrong and if you worked for a living working on any import BMW, VW, Volvo, Porshe. you know, then this statement would have not been made.
Keep doing you and keep ruining threads LOL .
@@gamersroost I've been a mechanic for over 30 years, I've worked on all of those brands, I've never used heat and never ruined any threads. You're just plain wrong, accept it and move on.
@@DonziGT230 There comes a time for every DIYer to face the challenge of removing a bolt that has been treated with red high-strength threadlocker.
When the factory absolutely does not want that bolt to EVER come out, they use it. It is usually necessary too, components that are critical safety items such as brakes, steering, and suspension items are often treated to a healthy slathering of the stuff.
This means that you must fight it to repair or replace a damaged or worn-out component. Here are some tips on how to remove red threadlocker.
When the factory absolutely does not want that bolt to EVER come out, they use it. It is usually necessary too, components that are critical safety items such as brakes, steering, and suspension items are often treated to a healthy slathering of the stuff.
Come on!
Its not that bad .
I will change my rear rotor and pad
if i didnt watch this video i would be have big mistake thank you too
I guess my calipers are fried because the piston will not go back in to save my life
Nothing you can't accomplish with a line up bar and a pair of channel locks.
Is it true VW stands for Very Weird?
Very Wild. Thats what you think when you have your pedal to the metal and the VW in front of you is pulling away. Its happened to me.
@@rewing4880 had me laughing so hard I'm crying man. I have a 14 passat wolfsburg, and this little shit can move man. My fiancee drives a ram 2500. First time she drove my car she launched herself into the seat and took a second to recover. She got out, handed me the keys, and said never again.
@@allengross8953smart wife
You don't need a special tool to push the brake piston in. You can turn and press it in quite easily with long handle needle nose pliers.
Incorrect
@@helpontheway not incorrect I still have my VW and have changed the brakes several times. No special tool needed.
@@DM-yy1mc what year? How many clicks does your parking brake stop the car at? So many things can cause trouble with the rear pistons. You’re the first to disagree
@@DM-yy1mc I still have my Vw too, whatever that proves..
@@helpontheway 2012 golf TDI have changed brakes 4 times never an issue. Only long handle needle nose and push in easily once I start turning the piston and apply pressure. I usually adjust my parking brake to 3 or 4 clicks.
Typical vw. Complicate the most basic of parts.
I have changed the brakes on countless cars. None have been more of a nightmare than my VW. Buyer beware. Stay away from German cars unless, 1 you are rich, 2 you sell it before everything goes bad on it. Usually about 50,000 miles.
Hey, i have a passat 2012 b7 1.4 ecofuel, and im stressing myself out.. I have the scan tool to retract the caliper piston. And i bought a normal piston tool that just pushes back the piston straight. Do i need the tool that rotates the piston? And do i need any other tools to do the rear brakes? Im trying to find information but many people say different.. thanks
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q I took mine to my mechanic for the rear. Did not need front done. I supplied the calipers, and pads. He installed them for $110. I want even going to try because I was so frustrated.
@@Deeked Okey, understandable man its annoying im not sure i have all the tools for the rear..
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q The tool to remove the bolt that holds the caliper is a special order for my VW. I'm 54, with a chronic lung disease. Maybe if I was younger I'd go at it. I just can't these days.
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck fixing yours.
@@user-cw3kp9mc6q I forgot to mention. For my rear caliper pistons, it requires a tool that rotates and compresses at the same time. If not done correctly you can damage the assembly.
Stuuuuuuuupid Design. Thanks, VW
That’s not a Toyota:)
What do I do when even with the caliper tool, the piston refuses to budge. I hit it with wd40 and still nothing.
So how does this work with the electric parking brake without a scanner tool?