2013 CX-5 Rear Brakes - Recommendations for Tool to Retract Caliper?

[muttleytm]

I will be replacing the pads and rotors on a 2013 CX-5 soon. I know I have to screw in the rear calipers. I had a set for rear brakes but can't find it. It was last used a long time ago. I don't necessarily want to buy another kit. I also see there are some cube type that look like the cube can fit six different sizes. I looked into this and see many people say it din't work for their vehicle. I'm curious if this type works with the CX-5 or what the distance is between the pins that is needed so I can check to see if whatever I get will work for this car before I buy it.

Just like some recommendations on anything that works well that is not expensive. I know that parts stores often have tools like this, but I also know they have universal type kits that aren't always very universal. I'd prefer to have everything I will need on hand before I start taking things apart. I also wonder what direction they turn on this car.

 

[N7turbo]

Just push the pistons in with this.

https://www.harborfreight.com/disc-brake-pad-piston-compressor-70608.html

 

[muttleytm]

The rear brakes a disc brakes with a parking brake. They need to be spun and pushed back at the same time. I have a 2013. I read that starting in 2016 they have an electric parking brake which has to be disabled. I don't know if they also have to be spun back or if they only need to be pushed back.

The tool used is a lot like what you posted only there is one or more round disks with two or more pins that engage with the surface of the piston.

I have found that the pin to pin center to center distance is between 18 to 19mm and the pin diameter needed is about 3/16". Well, that is what AI told me. Many kits have multiple heads, however they don't always say what sizes are included much less what cars/models they work with.

I did buy a kit with many sizes years ago but it seems to be lost. I'm not likley going to be working on many other cars with rear disk brakes so I'd rather not get a whole kit and the cost of it.

I did see that Lisle makes a cube type that is said to work. There are many other vendors with similar, I have used Lisle tools in the past and they work and don't break. I may go with this type, but if I could find one more like a retractor with a back plate that you can turn and it will also apply pressure using the backplate I'd prefer that style.

 

[RedBaron]

If you get the cheapo cube tool and no sides fit, you should be able to 'adjust' the pegs on the closest-fitting side with a Dremel and grinding (or cutting) wheel. Ask me how I know

 

[N7turbo]

The rear brakes a disc brakes with a parking brake. They need to be spun and pushed back at the same time. I have a 2013. I read that starting in 2016 they have an electric parking brake which has to be disabled. I don't know if they also have to be spun back or if they only need to be pushed back.

Possibly. With Gen 2, they only need to be pressed in.

Post in thread 'Rear brake job price reasonable?'

Jun 21, 2024

If I were to do these myself, with help from someone who has experience, sounds like I'd need to purchase just the rotors and pads and . I could order online and save more I would think. Probably go Akebono for both or simply just order the Mazda OEM. This gets a little vague about brands with either their value or OEM as they aren't certain where they are coming from it seems. Or just go Akebono?

I just did brakes for the first time myself. I followed these videos, which were really good. They will help you see what's involved. Most of my issues were getting everything I needed to...

• N7turbo

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[muttleytm]

I know how to do it, just looking for the best tool that will work that is inexpensive. There are lots of these tools and most don't even list the pin sizes etc. Sometimes they mention some manufacturers cars they work with, but different models/years have different size pistons.

The parts stores will loan or lend you a kit, but oftentimes their kit is unavailable. I used a loaner brake line flaring tool that would work fine for a simple flare, but although it had an adapter to use it to do a double flare it required all the stars to line up just right. Maybe if you used it all the time for this it would work, but it you did this all the time you would more than likely get the tool that does it correctly because it is the right tool to begin with.

I've probably spend more time on just trying to find the right tool for this car than the actual work will take. If I take it apart and the tool doesn't work it really impedes getting the right tool to finish the job.

 

[N7turbo]

What I am showing you is that I used that exact tool.

If your car is set up differently, please ignore.

 

[Jmaz]

The "cubes" are garbage, the little nibs break off. Needle nose pliers might break off if the pistons are hard to turn. Avoid frustration and delays and get a kit. I got mine years ago for ~$20 on ebay and there's lots to choose from Here's the kit I have with r/h and l/h turning screws for pistons that screw in either right or left. On my 2014 I used the right hand screw and the round adapter marked "F". This one's a steal at $13.90 delivered. No brainer.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405150099042?_skw=disc+brake+caliper+tool+set&epid=2322022843&itmmeta=01KQQE77XDRE0Z84Z0FKTSQSGT&hash=item5e54d3e662:gSIAAOSw-mhmstvA&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAABALB2JXbe%2Bh2pdWBqbR2c2DsfFvapXiU0qlmCqUMFSatj%2FqVk0ix96jGPLW4jnTiNy%2BD1a8myYbM8WlJl3U0ZcHgBMQMxbcy5gwnLZ34MVFLDjswrV6IOVXFY56gW%2BzTqKFZVbufH8rfbFnrK1%2BfKL2WBo0WPn4JFRrE8ktaQNJAMd8M0ZlHQltxDWlXkmskM4EjpsxJdgu%2FuewKHme21gAJE9ye1g8lzg5Dgb5AZGYdq6BpIadNEaPHf2QJIFCBPqMBS4hx86tbMtWo7T%2Bg6wqn2kX6jkK0Bq9aMPhOOwz3osbf0tKOWTbG%2Bc1NdFnyIQLjR8lMbF2wA5tC3lxR7jj0%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM9v6c7r1n