Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

So I just replaced my fork seals. Got the forks and wheel mounted. I am trying to remount the brake calipers, but apparently I accidentally pumped the front brake lever while the calipers were unmounted. Now the brake pads are too close together to allow the disc to slide between them.

How do I get the brake pads to loosen back out so that the disc will be able to slide in between? This is my first DIY project on my bike. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Loosen Brake Caliper?
 

Push pads back in, screwdriver between and spread them. Go slow so you don't damage pads.

Re: Loosen Brake Caliper?
 

Do I need to loosen the air bleeder bolt? I tried this before but brake fluid just started gushing out all over.

Re: Loosen Brake Caliper?
 

No. Oil will go back in to reservoir.
If you loosen bleeder you will suck air if not careful and will have to bleed brakes.

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

I really dont recommend doing this unless you have to, but if you pop the pads out, get a G clamp, put some plastic or something between the piston and the metal on the clamp and then wind the piston back into the caliper slowly. Only go as far as you need to.

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

but take the cap off the reservoir first and keep an eye on the levels, taking some out of the res if you have to. I treated my car's engine to a nice brake fluid shower this way :-?

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

if you need to use a G clamp to push back the pistons, then the calipers need servicing.

Cheers Mark.

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

^ Ty for the fill-in ophic :) Forgot the all important part!

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

if they take a lot of persuasion they need serviced a g clamp indicates a binding issue

Re: Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads?
 

but this applies whether using a G-clamp or not.