Brake Service Tools

The assortment of wrenches and sockets you already have in your tool box will come in handy for brake work, but you’ll also need some special brake service tools to ensure a proper repair, your safety, and to prevent component damage. No matter what part of the brake system you’re working on, from friction lining replacement to a major system overhaul, we can supply you with the tools you need for a successful job.

Disc brake pad replacement is one of the most common brake service jobs, and to create room for the new friction linings you’ll need to retract the caliper piston(s) into the caliper. A simple C-clamp can be used, but we also have dedicated pad spreaders. Some rear calipers actuate the parking brakes and on these the caliper piston must be rotated to bottom it in the caliper. We have the individual tools and tool sets needed to retract these pistons.

To remove components like calipers, master cylinders and wheel cylinders, you’ll need to disconnect the brake hoses and lines. The fittings on these can be rounded off easily if an open end wrench is used. We have flare nut wrenches that slip over the hose/line and grip the fitting on multiple flats, so you can exert the necessary force for removal and installation without damage. If you have to replace a brake line, we have tubing benders to form the line without kinking, tubing cutters to cut the line to size, and flaring tool kits to create single, double and ISO (bubble) flares.

Whenever components are replaced or disconnected from the brake hydraulic system, all air must be bled from the system to prevent a low, spongy pedal. You’ll find bleeder wrenches and complete bleeding kits on our digital shelves, some that include vacuum pumps that can also be used to check vacuum operated components. And if you’re servicing drum brakes, we have brake spring pliers to remove and install the return and hold-down springs, brake spoons to turn the star wheel and adjust the shoes, and even pullers to remove stubborn drums from hubs.

Diagnosis is a big part of auto service, and brakes are no different than other systems. We have gauges to measure pad thickness, micrometers to measure rotor thickness and drum diameter, dial indicators to check disc runout, and test strips to determine the condition of the brake fluid, so you can make an educated repair decision. The hub is integral with the disc on some applications and during service the bearings must be cleaned or replaced and lubricated. Our bearing packers ensure grease gets to every part of the bearing without the mess. We also have many other special tools for ABS, parking brakes, and much more.