Advice on replacing brake pads

[Norton Margie]

It took me ten minutes to get the caliper off the front wheel of my 2007 Triumph. It took me most of an hour to get the pistons to retract enough to get the new brake pads in the caliper and more misery getting the caliper back on the wheel.

I still have to replace the brake pads on the back wheel.

any tips and tricks? It can't be as hard as it was!!

 

[Titus58]

I use either a long screwdriver to lever the pads/pistons back in, or a c-clamp;

Put the c-clamp on the old pads, with the other end on the back of the caliper then start turning the screw; can even put the clamp directly on the piston (though using the brake pad is better b/c it's providing more even pressure).

Harbor freight sells c-clamps in a variety of sizes and shapes these days, so lots of choices. Single front disk on your triumph? (you mentioned a caliper for the front, not two calipers).

My other thought is if it's really difficult to get the pistons back in, then I'd guess there is some corrosion/damage on the pistons, and would be worth it to remove them completely and inspect/clean/repair etc.

Good luck :thumbup I've got to do my vstrom front pads soon, and my Honday Pilot :mad


T

 

[Norton Margie]

That is what finally did the trick - woodworking C-clamps with plastic pads. I used the new pads, should have used the old ones. But was careful, didn't mark anything.

 

[kuksul08]

Make sure you remove the master cylinder reservoir cap or you'll break something.

Usually a screwdriver is enough to get them pressed in. Too much force and something ain't right.

 

[SCC Ryder]

Tackle the task of the rear brake pads when you are fresh and relaxed . If you have to take a breather to unwind , step away and do something else for a bit. After you are relaxed and ready, use the experience that you gained from the front end and apply it to the rear. Don't over think or complicate the job and you will be jamming in no time :thumbup. YouTube is also a VERY handy tool to have in your toolbox!

 

[motomania2007]

Remove the pads, then clean the pistons fully with brake cleaner and a toothbrush. You want to make sure you remove all the crud off the sides of the pistons so that you are not pushing the crud into the caliper.
Press the clean pistons into the caliper
Install the pads
reinstall the caliper

 

[stangmx13]

If the pistons are clean, you can probably push the pistons in by hand. But ya, a screwdriver in between the old pads works well.

An old head on an electric toothbrush and some SimpleGreen cleans calipers quick and well.

 

[afm199]

Remove the pads, then clean the pistons fully with brake cleaner and a toothbrush. You want to make sure you remove all the crud off the sides of the pistons so that you are not pushing the crud into the caliper.
Press the clean pistons into the caliper
Install the pads
reinstall the caliper

This. You should be able to hand press the pistons in. If not, they are probably dirty.

Pro tip. Leave one caliper on the bike until you have done the other. When you push one piston in, the pressure will push the others out. It can become a whack a mole project.

 

[afm199]

If the pistons are clean, you can probably push the pistons in by hand. But ya, a screwdriver in between the old pads works well.

An old head on an electric toothbrush and some SimpleGreen cleans calipers quick and well.

Nice idea!

 

[Norton Margie]

Thanks for the tips, all!

 

[auntiebling]

lotta bikes these days you don't need to remove the caliper. there is a pin that slides out and the pads come out the "top" of the caliper.

retracting pistons can still be a challenge but i too use the screwdriver approach wiht the old pads in place to push on. you can do one pad at a time as well to reduce the wack-a-mole effect.

 

[ST Guy]

Yep. Never try to get both pads back at the same time. I get one back, pump the lever to seat both pads, then repeat for the their pad.

 

[stangmx13]

furiously grips 4pot caliper with both hands to push all pistons back in...ends up popping out one piston on other caliper :mad

you only do that one time :laughing