Dual piston disc brake caliper compressor

Abstract

A tool for spreading dual piston brake pads and for compressing the dual pistons of a dual piston disc brake assembly of the type including a disc brake caliper housing for the pads and pistons. The tool includes manually operated handles which drive a bracket assembly that engages the dual piston disc brake pads. The housing for the tool includes a plate which is engaged against the caliper housing. The plate and bracket assembly are driven in a manner which causes them to become spaced from one another. A mechanical advantage is achieved by utilization of handles with a lever arm extension associated with a pivotal handle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tool for spreading brake pads and compressing the pistons of a dual piston disc brake assembly, said assembly including disc brake caliper housing, said pistons mounted in generally parallel, spaced, side by side cylinders mounted to the housing, said pads mounted on opposed pad mounts attached respectively to the pistons and the housing for engagement with a disc member therebetween, said housing including a frame leg in opposed relation to the cylinders and spaced therefrom, said tool comprising, in combination: 
 a manual drive mechanism mounted in a frame and including a projecting drive rod having an outer end, said drive mechanism further including a manually acuable handle attached to the frame for incrementally advancing the rod in a first axial direction from the frame, and a latch mechanism for retaining the rod in an advanced position, said latch mechanism being releasable to enable reverse axial movement of the rod in a direction opposite advancement thereof;    a bracket assembly attached to the outer end of the drive rod, said bracket assembly including a first cross member for engaging the frame leg, axial extension members extending axially from the cross member and a piston engaging member attached to the axial extension members; and    a retention plate attached to the frame and extending axially from the frame in alignment with the rod, said retention plate including a flange for engaging the frame leg on the side opposite from the first cross member whereby the piston engaging member may be positioned against the pistons, with the cross member on one side of the frame leg and the flange on the opposite side with the rod extended to thereby clamp the frame leg and also drive the piston engaging member to effect movement of the pistons retracting into their respective cylinders.