Brake drag after new pads.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Hi,

just changed my pads on my zx6 b1 and now it's really hard to push not impossible though, the calipers were not seized before, is it just the pads need bedding in?

[beabert]

i think its because the pads are thicker so the unclean part of the pistons are now rubing on the rings, maybe try clean them.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

i think its because the pads are thicker so the unclean part of the pistons are now rubing on the rings, maybe try clean them.

I gave them a really good clean and grease before I put the pads in.

[Biker Biggles]

Did you take the lid off the master cylinder and check the fluid level didnt get too high?Too much fluid can mean the pads dont retract enough.

[yorkie_chris]

Did you take the lid off the master cylinder and check the fluid level didnt get too high?Too much fluid can mean the pads dont retract enough.

+1

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Did you take the lid off the master cylinder and check the fluid level didnt get too high?Too much fluid can mean the pads dont retract enough.

I might be being stupid but what do u mean? I took pads out gave the calipers a good clean pumped out pistons a bit and greased, undid nipple pushed pistons in placed in pads and holding pins, placed on disc secured and topped up fluid.

[speedplay]

Did you pump the brakes with no pads in?

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Did you pump the brakes with no pads in?

Yes only enough to expose a little bit of clean metal to clean and grease.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Did you take the lid off the master cylinder and check the fluid level didnt get too high?Too much fluid can mean the pads dont retract enough.

Ah I get you now and no the brake fluid is just under the full mark.

[gfewster]

Try syringing a little out to get it down to halfway between min and max. May help, may not. Otherwise just keep bedding them in.

[yorkie_chris]

First just try taking the top off the reservoir again. Maybe you squeezed the air in there a bit to apply a slight braking force. Simple fix but is possible.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

First just try taking the top off the reservoir again. Maybe you squeezed the air in there a bit to apply a slight braking force. Simple fix but is possible.

Did that, rode it work and it seems as though im being pulled back or like it's very sluggish, like a car with the handbrake on slightly so it is movable by pushing etc, maybe it is because the pads thicker???

[jambo]

Messing with the reservoir won't sort this.
One or more pistons are sticking almost certainly sticking. You can try pumping the pistons out and cleaning them again, but in my experience you're best off removing the pistons, cleaning up the seals and recesses and then re-fitting with a little red rubber grease. salt and dried brake fluid build up behind the seals stopping the pistons retracting smoothly.

Jambo

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Messing with the reservoir won't sort this.
One or more pistons are sticking almost certainly sticking. You can try pumping the pistons out and cleaning them again, but in my experience you're best off removing the pistons, cleaning up the seals and recesses and then re-fitting with a little red rubber grease. salt and dried brake fluid build up behind the seals stopping the pistons retracting smoothly.

Jambo

So I should avoid riding it till sorted, luckily enough it's only a 3 mile ride home. :smt090

[jambo]

Riding it is a judgement call. If it's only dragging a bit it should be ok to ride, though you're accelerating disc and pad wear, and fuel consumption. If it's binding on heavily then you can end up in a situation where having the brake engaged causes you to come off. But this requires you to ignore all signs that there's a problem.

Be careful, get it home, and stop & re-assess if it feels hard work.

Jambo

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Well I've taken the pads out cleaned pistons again sand papered the sides of the pads so they have a looser fit, copper greased the back put them in a lot easier this time put calipers back on bleed the brakes took for a 2 min test down the street and........ I've never felt the bike move easier than after I re-did the brakes, the brakes are not binding and they bite nicely, thanks all.