ok how the hell do i reinstall the front caliper i have tried and tried what do i do to get the pads around the caliper i do not understand please help
In order to get the proper clearence between pads (so the caliper fits properly on the rotor) you have to make sure that the pistons are fully retracted in the caliper.
I don't know if you disconnected the caliper from the brake line. If you didn't, then somehow pressure built up and probably pushed the pistons forward enough to give you problems.
My suggestion is drain your brake fluid, push the pistons all they way back in the caliper and then bleed your brakes. (About 5-10 min)
Note: Sometimes pistons can get rusty and freeze and then they won't go all the back in the caliper. Hopefully this isn't your situation because then you either have to rebuild the caliper or look for another one.
When I have mine apart, I put a cedar shim in from each end; pound the shims from both ends. That seems to keep the calipers.
On cars, I've also rigged C-clamps to push the calipers open, but haven't had to try that with the GS... not sure there's a good way to do it.
Quote from: Rema1000On cars, I've also rigged C-clamps to push the calipers open, but haven't had to try that with the GS... not sure there's a good way to do it.
Like
THIS perhaps?
I just pry mine open(even) with a big flat head screwdriver. :dunno:
Quote from: DomI just pry mine open(even) with a big flat head screwdriver. :dunno:
There ya go.
opening the resivore cap helps also
I neglected to mention that the photo series I linked to above was done to help someone who had squeezed the brake lever while the wheel and rotor were removed from the bike. :o :x
He had no way to put anything between the pads to pry them apart, so a bit of disassembly was in order.
what a pain in the ass yes all the pistons are rusty its funny i have several calipers now and all of them are in sucky condition i think i will just buy a new one soon thnks for the help
Brakes are dirty by their very nature. That shouldn't stop them from working. Of course the calipers may be caked up enough so they cant go back in, but some cleaning effort should take care of that (you may have to disassembel and then replace gaskets, though.)
Good pics.
This should be in the FAQ section.
Quote from: KerryQuote from: Rema1000On cars, I've also rigged C-clamps to push the calipers open, but haven't had to try that with the GS... not sure there's a good way to do it.
Like THIS perhaps?
C-clamps work great on MOST cars, but make sure they aren't the type that screw in before you start cranking down on the c-clamp with all your fury and might. I was doing the brakes on my girlfriend's Subaru GL wagon and even the Haynes manual said to use a c-clamp. Bastards. Fortunately I didn't cause any damage to the calipers by essentially trying to strip the threads. WHEW!
i have the 95 model but i will try this will the pistons stay compressed one i do this
Yes ... unless you squeeze the brake lever. :)
Yeah, squeeze the brake lever a few times and repressurize the caliper.
Quote from: DomYeah, squeeze the brake lever a few times and repressurize the caliper.
When I pull the caliper off. I twist the caliper, using the disc to pry the pads apart. You won't damage the disc ;) That way I avoid having to do it later with a screwdriver.
AFTER the caliper is mounted back on, I pump the brake lever to move the pads back into position. Otherwise the first time you go for the brakes could be rather exciting :o :o :mrgreen: