Caliper removed and lever pulled - how to separate pads? - SV650.org

11-06-10, 04:43 AM

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.

11-06-10, 04:54 AM

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

11-06-10, 04:58 AM

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

11-06-10, 05:18 AM

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.

11-06-10, 01:27 PM

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.

ophic · 11-06-10, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadFX

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.

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

rictus01 · 11-06-10, 01:34 PM

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

Cheers Mark.

11-06-10, 01:34 PM

^ Ty for the fill-in ophic

Forgot the all important part!

andrewsmith · 11-06-10, 02:19 PM

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

ophic · 11-06-10, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ophic

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

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

11-06-10, 04:43 AM	#1
ClickKlick Guest Posts: n/a	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.

11-06-10, 04:54 AM	#2
zadar Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Loosen Brake Caliper? Push pads back in, screwdriver between and spread them. Go slow so you don't damage pads.

11-06-10, 04:58 AM	#3
ClickKlick Guest Posts: n/a	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.

11-06-10, 05:18 AM	#4
zadar Guest Posts: n/a	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.

11-06-10, 01:27 PM	#5
ShadFX Guest Posts: n/a	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.

11-06-10, 01:34 PM	#7
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	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. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

11-06-10, 02:19 PM	#9
andrewsmith Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Just south of salad dodging country Posts: 7,750	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 __________________ RIP Reeder 20/07/1988 - 21/03/2012. Always missed squire!!! Every year we meet old friends, gain some new ones, lose old ones and you always remember them all. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

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