Changing brake pads - can't get enough space to reinstall

doyler · October 5th, 2014, 06:25 PM

After putting new front brake pads on I can't seem to get enough space between them to put the caliper back on the rotor. I've tried using a c-clamp to push the pistons down but by the time I've put the pads and allen bolts back on they've come back up too much to fit.

Any tips or tricks to get the pistons to stay down?

Matto55 · October 5th, 2014, 06:27 PM

Are the pistons coming back up once you have pushed them down? I feel that once you have them pushed in they shouldn't come back out unless you apply the brake..

allanoue · October 5th, 2014, 06:29 PM

c-clamp

use the old pads to cover the cylinder and a piece of thick cloth for the other side of the caliper. Push the cylinder all the way in until it is flush with the caliper before you install the new pads.

doyler · October 5th, 2014, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matto55

Are the pistons coming back up once you have pushed them down? I feel that once you have them pushed in they shouldn't come back out unless you apply the brake..

Yeah they come back up maybe a centimeter or so - just enough to make it not fit...

doyler · October 5th, 2014, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

c-clamp

I used a c-clamp to push them flush but they come back up just enough to make it not fit.

allanoue · October 5th, 2014, 06:38 PM

Get it recessed then

Matto55 · October 5th, 2014, 06:39 PM

I think your best bet is to try it again with the old brake pad up against the piston, then use the c clamp to push it all the way back so it is flush with the caliper.

Klondike1020 · October 5th, 2014, 08:01 PM

Something is not right with your setup. Your pistons should not push back out. try opening the fluid reservoir while you do it. be ready for some to over flow. It sounds to me like you are compressing the air in the reservoir when you use the C clamp. So it springs back out when you release it.

Let me know what happens when you crack the reservoir open and compress the ppistons with the clamp

October 5th, 2014, 06:25 PM	#1
doyler ninjette.org newbie Name: Dustin Location: VA Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): R6 Posts: 3	Changing brake pads - can't get enough space to reinstall After putting new front brake pads on I can't seem to get enough space between them to put the caliper back on the rotor. I've tried using a c-clamp to push the pistons down but by the time I've put the pads and allen bolts back on they've come back up too much to fit. Any tips or tricks to get the pistons to stay down?

October 5th, 2014, 06:29 PM	#3
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	c-clamp use the old pads to cover the cylinder and a piece of thick cloth for the other side of the caliper. Push the cylinder all the way in until it is flush with the caliper before you install the new pads. __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

October 5th, 2014, 06:38 PM	#6
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	Get it recessed then __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

October 5th, 2014, 08:01 PM	#8
Klondike1020 Intrepid Adventurer Name: Josh Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.	Something is not right with your setup. Your pistons should not push back out. try opening the fluid reservoir while you do it. be ready for some to over flow. It sounds to me like you are compressing the air in the reservoir when you use the C clamp. So it springs back out when you release it. Let me know what happens when you crack the reservoir open and compress the ppistons with the clamp __________________________________________________ LIFE IS NOT FOR REGRETS OR EXCUSES. Breath deep, seek peace. Embrace the Madness. Life is good, let it be

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October 5th, 2014, 06:27 PM	#2
Matto55 ninjette.org member Name: Matthew Location: Mountain Top PA Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250; 1999 Kawasaki Klx300R Posts: 25	Are the pistons coming back up once you have pushed them down? I feel that once you have them pushed in they shouldn't come back out unless you apply the brake..

October 5th, 2014, 06:39 PM	#7
Matto55 ninjette.org member Name: Matthew Location: Mountain Top PA Join Date: Sep 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250; 1999 Kawasaki Klx300R Posts: 25	I think your best bet is to try it again with the old brake pad up against the piston, then use the c clamp to push it all the way back so it is flush with the caliper.