Can't fit calipers over disc with new pads

[Zim]

I bought a set of EBC FA141 pads for the rear caliper but the new pads appear to be too thick to fit over the disc (there isn't enough gap between them). I pushed the big pad out as far as possible on the stems and the pistons are all the way in but it's not even close, I need 1-3mm more clearance to get them on. I'd grind them down but the EBC packaging says specifically not to do that because of asbestos.

Any advice? This is really frustrating.

[kkim]

you should be able to push the pistons in the calipers in so they are flush with the inside edge of the calipers. are they pushed in that far right now?

[iceman.kcmo]

x2

Originally Posted by kkim

you should be able to push the pistons in the calipers in so they are flush with the inside edge of the calipers. are they pushed in that far right now?

make sure to take the little plastic peices out before you push them in. I almost broke one doing that.

[Zim]

I showed them to a neighbor and he stuck a flathead screwdriver into the gap and slowly twisted it sideways and magically the pads sunk down another few mm. Turned out the pistons weren't driven all of the way in. Neat trick and now I know how to get them flush.

[Thrak]

for future people searching, before you push the pistons back in take the cap and diaphragm off the fluid resivoir

it'll be easier to push them in, and easier on the caliper seals too

[Banzai]

Originally Posted by Thrak

for future people searching, before you push the pistons back in take the cap and diaphragm of the fluid resivoir

it'll be easier to push them in, and easier on the caliper seals too

...and don't push TOO hard, or you'll jet brake fluid all over! Further, monitor the fluid level, as it's easy to overflow it while pushing the pistons back in, too.

Been there, done that....BOTH of the above!

[Grn99Kawi]

Don't take this the wrong way.. but next time you tackle something on the bike either get a service manual, get some experience with an experienced person watching, or do both (best to do both). You don't want to learn on something like brakes... it could mean your life.

I have been working on cars for a long time and even still I have a service manual...

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by Zim

I showed them to a neighbor and he stuck a flathead screwdriver into the gap and slowly twisted it sideways and magically the pads sunk down another few mm. Turned out the pistons weren't driven all of the way in. Neat trick and now I know how to get them flush.

A c-clamp works well too.