brake piston compressor?

[Splish]

when installing new pads and/or rotors, is a brake piston compressor essential?

[Blue Bomber]

It helps a lot. The pad/rotor wear will make it necessary to push the pistons out because of the difference in thickness. A C-clamp works well.

[Splish]

so a c clamp or that tool is essential?

[Blue Bomber]

Some people are able to push the piston in by hand, but I wouldn't take the chance if you're that far in the install. It's also a good idea to remove the brake fluid reservoir cap to allow room for the fluid to rise.

[stein]

C-clamp works good! You can also use a wrench or something round to pry it back to enable you to get the pads in and over the rotor. Just don't push it back in too far! You'll overflow the fliud and possible get air into the line, which you do not want to do! Because you then get to bleed tha brakes which isn't hard, it just sucks doing!

[Jesse IL]

Watch you fluid reservoir. I had to suck some of the fluid out when I collapsed the calipers for new brakes to keep it from overflowing.