Test: Brake tools from Zine - small helpers big time
The most important things in a nutshell
The German manufacturer offers two types of tools. One is the CA-1, to align the brake calliper centrally over the brake disc, and the "Bleed & Mobilize" set. This consists of the "PP-1 Bleed Block" for bleeding a brake and the "PR-1 Quatro Tool Block" for releasing a squatted brake cylinder. The set is available for both 2- and 4-piston brakes.
First impression
The CA-1 is made from high-quality nylon, as the material needs to be flexible. The "Bleed & Mobilize" set is milled from a single piece of 7075 aluminium. The function of these "blocks" is not obvious at first glance.
In use
The CA-1 allows the brake caliper to be aligned exactly in the middle over the brake disc so that it does not rub against the pads. The application is simple and the work is done quickly. The brake pads have to be removed and the brake bolts loosened. The block is then pressed into the caliper with the groove facing downwards and over the brake disk until the hole in the block sits exactly on the screw hole for fastening the pads. Insert the corresponding screw to secure the CA-1, pull the brake lever and then tighten the brake screws. The caliper is now nicely centered over the disc. Sometimes you need the help of pliers to remove the squat block. Zine has recognized the problem and solved it with the latest version of the CA-1.2.
The "Bleed & Mobilize" set consists of two blocks, the classic bleed block PP-1, which is clamped into the brake caliper instead of the pads when the wheel is removed so that the pistons are not pushed out when moving. This is nothing new and works like all other bleed blocks. However, the PR-1 tool is a great helper for loosening squatted pistons. This block has a recess at one point and this is aligned with the squashed piston. To do this, the wheel and pads must of course be removed. Once the block is in the caliper, slowly pull the brake lever until one piston moves outwards. Then remove the tool, clean the piston thoroughly and push it inwards again. If it is very dirty, the process may have to be repeated two or three times until the piston moves freely and evenly like the others again.
Conclusion
The tools from Zine are simple in design and easy but effective to use. They are inexpensive and made to last.
Price: CHF from 14.00 / EUR from 14.90
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Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.