flyboy1011 Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 So I have my wheels off for new tires and pumped the front brakes...I'm an idiot, I know. So what do i do to get the pads back apart? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Likwid Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 So I have my wheels off for new tires and pumped the front brakes...I'm an idiot, I know. So what do i do to get the pads back apart?hehe, attach the bleeding tube, loosen the bleeder valve. Should be able to pry the pads apart, can use a flathead screwdriver to get in and loosen it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 put a c clamp on the pads and the back of the caliper and squeeze the piston back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gixxie750 Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 c clamp or gently use a screw driver or drywall puddy knife to pry apart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 I wouldnt try a screw driver unless you plan to replace the pads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSVDon Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Don't worry, I've done it too. Just what everyone else said to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dweezel Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 be glad its on a bike, if it was a car, you'd be rebuilding/replacing the calipers that'd be an expensive mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReconRat Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) We've all done it. The C-clamp works on the calipers that "one side rides on rods or bolts". It won't work on floating calipers, where the entire caliper moves as one piece. (edit: unless there's a way to get that C-clamp in there on the backside of the pad opposite the piston.) For floating calipers you'll be prying the pads apart. As said, relieve the pressure by opening the caliper bleeder valve, and begin pushing the pistons back. Use the clear drain hose to prevent brake fluid on everything, and to be able to see your progress.Slow steady pressure is what you want to use. The piston will move, but slowly. Push on the pad or piston, and hold the force on it, it will move slowly back.At some point you will be able to remove the pads to make it easier. Then you can put it back over the rotor and just lean or pull on it with both hands to make the piston move back. Try to keep the pads oriented so they go back in the same places, the same way. Do not get brake fluid on the pads or rotors.Typical is not pushing the piston(s) back far enough when installing new pads. Then it's the remove one or both pads, or install the old pads again, and put the caliper back on the rotor. Push more to fully retract the piston.My rear brake can be moved without opening a caliper bleeder valve. Just loosening the fluid reservoir cap will work for that. Push harder and longer. (She said)I've actually had the brake pads close up, on their own, while I wasn't looking. duh me. Ever since then I work a little faster, or put something between the pads while I'm working. Edited January 1, 2010 by ReconRat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Likwid Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Now I'm starting to realize why my friends with customs just run a drum brake in the back and no front I'm gonna run brakeless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c7fx Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) Thats why I have spacers I place between the pads when the calipers are off. I think we have all done it LOL.what ever you use to pry them apart just be patient. Edited January 1, 2010 by c7fx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yotaman88210 Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 I have a horsie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Thats why I have spacers I place between the pads when the calipers are off. Wouldnt it be easier to just not pull the brake lever ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jporter12 Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Wouldnt it be easier to just not pull the brake lever ? That's what I was thinking, but Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that dude Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 So I have my wheels off for new tires and pumped the front brakes...I'm an idiot, I know. So what do i do to get the pads back apart?you sir are an idiot asking a question like this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c7fx Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Wouldnt it be easier to just not pull the brake lever ?Ummm Yeah in a perfect world thats right but when working on a bike shit always happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Now I'm starting to realize why my friends with customs just run a drum brake in the back and no front I'm gonna run brakelessGood luck with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 that's why i ride yo mama... and cougars don't come with brakes, son! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roncooper Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 pending on the last time you replaced the fluids this might be a good time. I ride pretty hard so I replace my brake fluid every season. Everyone has had to separate a set of pads thats why there are so many people offering advice, it is no big deal, you wont ruin a set of calipers not even on a car. As mentioned above some soft compound pads will be ruined using a screw driver to separate the pads there just isn't enough surface to displace the energy. A C-clamp works on most cars but a lot of motorcycle calipers it is difficult to maneuver in the tight area. I can usually just open the bleed screw and use my fingers to separate the pads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy1011 Posted January 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 you sir are an idiot asking a question like thishaha I know this...better safe than sorry though I guess...didn't wanna mess anything up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick37 Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 I never done this but after replacing my front brake pads and putting all back together and was getting ready to take a ride, I went to pull out of the yard and I went to hit my brakes I had none,I forgot to pump them back up. I hit the side of the garage,Luckily I was only going about 4 or 5 mph. DUH......Anyways good luck on getting the pads apart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jporter12 Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 I never done this but after replacing my front brake pads and putting all back together and was getting ready to take a ride, I went to pull out of the yard and I went to hit my brakes I had none,I forgot to pump them back up. I hit the side of the garage,Luckily I was only going about 4 or 5 mph. DUH......Anyways good luck on getting the pads apart.I've done that (cars and bikes!) Actually, I make TRY to it a habit to test the brake pedal on any car that I work on before moving it. I sometimes forget and have an "oh shit" moment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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