Rear brake pad replacement

[LongRanger_imp]

Short of draining the brake fluid, is there a simple method to retract the pistons so the pads can be pulled out? My caliper doesn't seem to want to budge open, and the service manual doesn't offer a clear explanation, at least for my amateur skills.

[Roadwarrior_imp]

Unless these are the screw in pistons, you can slide in a screw driver between the pad and rotor on the piston side and pry it to force the piston in. Be careful not to put a deep scratches in rotor. Very light surface scratches will not hurt it.

[the Ferret]

If you have the caliper off but havent removed the old pads you can use a screwdriver between the old pads to force the pistons back in. I have also used a C clamp in years past, but that is usually not necessary. I would not use my rotor as a pry surface.

[kmoney_imp]

So the pads can be pulled out? You should be able to remove the calipers and pads with the brakes in their normal released position. From there all you need to do is use some wood and channel locks to compress the piston, or the screwdriver as mentioned above.

[Lord Popgun]

When I pulled my wheels off for new tire mounting, I put wood wedges in the pads to keep them from moving out. And that pushed them in. Shouldn't be hard to push them in. Keep an eye on the reservoir level if you push them in all the way.

[mattmcuomo@yahoo.com]

Remove the reservoir cap to let pressure out while spreading brake pads...... Just be careful not to let any spill, that stuff destroys paint!

Sent from me......

[use2b_imp]

Remove the reservoir cap to let pressure out while spreading brake pads...... Just be careful not to let any spill, that stuff destroys paint!

Sent from me......

very good advice. I always cover my tank with cloth , then plastic , then cloth to keep any fluid from eating the paint .
also agree do not pry against the rotor . good luck

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Funny, I just this moment finished installing EBC HH pads front and rear on my FZ8, and stainless lines all around. So the process is fresh in mind.

Remove your calipers. Otherwise you may damage something. Just take them off as you would if removing the front wheel.

Then you'll have complete access to the pad/piston area. You can use a wide pry bar, a wide screwdriver, or other suitable tool to press the pads/pistons back in.

I myself would not remove the reservoir cap; it's already vented above the accordion seal so unless you are planning on pressing those pistons all the way in (as far as they can go), there should be sufficient room in the reservoir to accommodate the backflow of fluid. After all, the pads were new and the brake fluid filled to the proper level at the factory.

It's just a messy, risky thing to do and you could really muck up your tank and paint with that brake fluid.

[mattmcuomo@yahoo.com]

[quote='Ulvetanna' pid='147552' dateline='1472225913']

Remove your calipers. Otherwise you may damage something. Just take them off as you would if removing the front wheel.

Then you'll have complete access to the pad/piston area. You can use a wide pry bar, a wide screwdriver, or other suitable tool to press the pads/pistons back in.

I myself would not remove the reservoir cap; it's already vented above the accordion seal so unless you are planning on pressing those pistons all the way in (as far as they can go), there should be sufficient room in the reservoir to accommodate the backflow of fluid. After all, the pads were new and the brake fluid filled to the proper level at the factory.

Good thinking. I'm always thinking that the reservoir may have been topped off and may have too much fluid/pressure. You're right, it's not always necessary to remove cap.

Sent from me......

[Ulvetanna_imp]

[quote='Ulvetanna' pid='147552' dateline='1472225913']

Remove your calipers. Otherwise you may damage something. Just take them off as you would if removing the front wheel.

Then you'll have complete access to the pad/piston area. You can use a wide pry bar, a wide screwdriver, or other suitable tool to press the pads/pistons back in.

I myself would not remove the reservoir cap; it's already vented above the accordion seal so unless you are planning on pressing those pistons all the way in (as far as they can go), there should be sufficient room in the reservoir to accommodate the backflow of fluid. After all, the pads were new and the brake fluid filled to the proper level at the factory.

Good thinking. I'm always thinking that the reservoir may have been topped off and may have too much fluid/pressure. You're right, it's not always necessary to remove cap.

Sent from me......

It's just one less thing to think about, is all.