Astro Pneumatic Tool 78618 Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool Set, 18 Piece
Priced as of May 17, 2026
4.7(602 ratings)Buy on AmazonSaved to your guest loadout. Sign up to also save to your Cabinet (consumables) or Kit (tools you own).
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Prices may varyCarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 18, 2026
TL;DR The 78618 is an 18-piece dual T-handle wind-back set — left and right threaded drive screws plus 15 numbered adapters — covering push-in front pistons and screw-in rear pistons across domestic (Ford, GM) and VW European rear calipers, confirmed across 602 Amazon reviews at 4.7 stars. BMW dual-pin rear caliper coverage is not confirmed; at least one verified purchaser bought the kit knowing their E90 BMW was not compatible.
What it is and how it performs
The 78618 uses two independently threaded T-handle drive screws — left (L) and right (R) — paired with a reaction plate and 15 numbered adapter discs to compress or wind back caliper pistons without slipping off the piston face or damaging seals. A built-in magnet holds the adapter to the tool face during piston engagement, which multiple Amazon verified-purchase reviewers confirm prevents the adapter from slipping mid-compression. Community confirmation across 602 reviews spans Ford rear calipers (F-150, F-250, Ford 500, 1999 Taurus) and multiple VW platforms (Passat, Golf, Routan) — domestic plus VW European coverage without additional adapter purchases. One verified reviewer on a Ford 500 rear brake job reported piston compression time was shorter than the time needed to jack the car and remove the wheel. Steel construction with no systematic drive bolt failure pattern documented across the review base since the product first listed in 2006. BMW E90 dual-pin rear calipers are not covered by the adapter set.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
The right pick for a home mechanic doing brake pad service on a mixed domestic and VW European fleet — Ford, GM, VW, and similar rear calipers with screw-in integrated-parking-brake pistons are community-confirmed compatible, making this a one-purchase solution for those vehicle families without separate adapters. Skip this if your fleet includes BMW, Audi, or Mercedes rear calipers with dual-pin pistons; BMW E90 dual-pin coverage is specifically documented as absent from this kit in Amazon reviews, and a dedicated European-vehicle caliper set is the better choice for those applications.
Safety and environmental impact
Steel and polymer hand tool — no chemical exposure pathway from the tool itself; health score reflects physical-use safety of the tool only. Steel tool body and adapter discs are accepted at scrap metal recycling at end of life — the standard end-of-life pathway for this tool type. Brake service work generates dust from pad and rotor friction material; respiratory protection appropriate to the vehicle's brake pad type and era is a consideration for the work environment, not a property of this tool.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Astro Pneumatic 78618 work on BMW rear calipers?▾
BMW E90 dual-pin rear calipers are confirmed not covered by the 78618's adapter set — at least one verified purchaser bought the kit specifically knowing it would not work on their BMW. The kit covers push-in and screw-in wind-back pistons on domestic and VW European rear calipers, but European dual-pin coverage (BMW, Audi, Mercedes rear calipers) is not independently confirmed in the available review sample.
Does the 78618 handle left-hand and right-hand threaded rear pistons?▾
Yes — the 18-piece set includes both a left-hand (L) and right-hand (R) threaded T-handle drive screw, allowing it to address rear caliper pistons that wind in from either direction, depending on caliper side and vehicle make.
How do the adapters stay in place during use?▾
The kit includes a magnet in the drive assembly that holds the adapter disc to the tool face during piston engagement — confirmed by multiple reviewers as preventing the adapter from slipping off the piston during compression.
Does the Astro Pneumatic 78618 include instructions?▾
A vehicle compatibility cross-reference chart is included in the kit, listing which adapter number corresponds to which vehicle application. Reviewers note the chart is useful but has documented gaps — including at least one vehicle application (Mini R50) listed with an adapter number that was not present in the kit. There are no step-by-step usage instructions.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Astro Pneumatic Tool, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Adaptor plates with thrust bolt assembly and reaction plate are precisely made
- •Prevents damaging pistons and seals
- •Updated adaptor set applicable for side variety of vehicles
- •Durable and save time
- •Kit includes: holder, right main body, left main body and 15 adapters
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Manufacturer specifications
- Manufacturer
- AP Astro
- Brand
- AP Astro
- Model
- Astro Pneumatic 18PC Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool Set
- Item Weight
- 5.57 pounds
- Item model number
- 78618
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
- No
- Manufacturer Part Number
- 78618
- Position
- Rear
- ASIN
- B002RDGMNM
- Customer Reviews
- 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (602) 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank
- #782,329 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #1,596 in Automotive Replacement Brake Calipers Without Pads
- Date First Available
- October 19, 2006
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Top Amazon review
↗External — Amazon's most-helpful review for context.
Haven't used, but looks legit
Rated a 5 because even though I have not used the product it looks to be good quality for half the price of others. This review is basically a first impressions review since this kit doesn't work on my E90 BMW, but bought it to keep in my garage in case I have to change my parent's brakes or if I purchase a car in the future that will require it.Some impressions from previous reviews are the case is junk, broken/rusty parts, lack of instructions, and the layout in the case does not match the pics.THE CASE - The case I received is nothing great, but you're not purchasing this because you need a beefy, sturdy case. It's what's in the case that really matters. The case I received holds the parts securely and they are not loose/moving around. It basically does it's job and stays closed.THE PARTS - The parts I received were covered in oil and therefore not rusty. They also were NOT broken. Although, I assume broken parts are probably a common issue and paperwork in the kit states to contact the manufacturer directly and they will replace them within a one year period. If I had to be anal, I would say 2 of the 3 adapters were 95% perfect because one of the 2 small cylinders that protrude from the adapters could have been hammered in a millimeter more so that they would be flush with the back. But, that's being anal and they will do the job as is.INSTRUCTIONS - There are none. But, they have a list of which adapter fits what car. If you need instructions, then you shouldn't be changing your brakes and instead hire your 5 year old to do it for you. If you don't have a 5 year old, i guess you're screwed and need an indy shop.CASE LAYOUT - It's slightly different and there are 5 adapters on the lid of the case... WHO CARES!! :)For the $37 I spent on this kit i'm very happy with it and look forward to using it. If I ever do use it, i'll post a follow-up review.