Sealey explores what tools are needed for brake and clutch maintenance.
Brake and clutch maintenance remains central to routine vehicle servicing, forming a large proportion of daily workshop repairs. With increased vehicle complexity and a growing emphasis on safety-critical repairs, technicians rely heavily on tools that deliver consistent accuracy and reliability. The market has seen steady demand for equipment that simplifies common tasks such as winding back calipers, flaring brake pipes, testing brake fluid, and aligning clutch components. Sealey, well established within the professional tool sector, offers a wide selection of brake and clutch servicing tools designed to support efficiency in busy workshops.
Brake piston wind-back and push-back tools
Replacing brake pads on modern vehicles often requires controlled retraction of the rear caliper pistons. The Brake Piston Wind-Back Tool with Double Adaptor (Model No. VS024) provides a straightforward, durable solution for this task. The double-ended design allows technicians to retract pistons on a range of rear calipers, creating the necessary clearance for new pads to be installed. It offers a practical alternative to improvised methods, helping reduce the risk of damage to caliper components.
For workshops handling a wider variety of vehicles, the 21pc Brake Piston Wind-Back Tool Kit (Model No. VS0282) offers greater versatility. Suitable for both push-back and wind-back pistons, the kit includes left and right-handed thrust bolt assemblies, a reaction plate, hex bits and adaptors, and the widely required three-pin VAG adaptor. This ensures compatibility with many common caliper designs, making the kit suitable for general workshop use where mixed vehicle types are encountered.
Brake pipe flaring
Brake pipe repairs can present difficulties when pipes need to be flared in confined spaces or when a full pipe replacement is unnecessary. The On-Vehicle Micro Brake Pipe Flaring Tool (Model No. PFT12) is designed specifically for producing accurate SAE flares on 3/16″ pipe while the pipe remains on the vehicle. Its lightweight body improves handling in tight areas, and it is suitable for copper, cupro-nickel and steel pipes. For technicians splicing small replacement sections, this tool offers both convenience and precision without the need to remove long lengths of pipe.
Brake fluid testing
Monitoring brake fluid condition is an important part of routine safety inspections, as moisture contamination can severely reduce braking performance. The Pocket Brake Fluid Tester (Model No. VS0274) provides a quick and clear method of assessing fluid condition. Its integrated circuitry measures electrical resistance to determine moisture content, with results displayed via a five-LED read-out. A simple calibration check using water helps maintain accuracy, and the tester works with all grades of brake fluid. By offering immediate results, the tool supports evidence-based maintenance and helps technicians clearly identify when fluid replacement is required.
Clutch alignment tools
Correct clutch alignment is essential during reassembly to ensure smooth operation and to avoid unnecessary repeat work. The Universal Clutch Alignment Tool (Model No. VS010) is designed to fit around 90 percent of cars and light vans up to five tonnes gross weight, excluding double plate systems. The tool features nylon components with a steel main shaft and comes supplied with three expanding collets to suit a variety of clutch centre bore sizes. It provides a simple and effective method for accurate clutch plate alignment during installation.
For workshops seeking a more comprehensive set, the 17pc Universal Clutch Aligning Tool Set (Model No. AK710) contains chemically blackened steel components housed in a storage case. This set provides a broad selection of adaptors to cater for different clutch and flywheel combinations, helping ensure accurate alignment when working across multiple vehicle platforms.
Brake and clutch servicing remain areas where precision directly influences vehicle safety, and technicians need tools designed for dependable performance in day-to-day use. The examples highlighted demonstrate how SEALEY continues to provide practical solutions that cover essential tasks, from brake piston retraction to clutch alignment. With tools tailored to varied vehicle requirements and built for professional workshops, the brand remains a reliable presence in the market for brake and clutch service equipment.
