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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: MajorMalphunction on March 07, 2010, 05:26:02 PM

Title: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: MajorMalphunction on March 07, 2010, 05:26:02 PM
While I was putting on my new front tire, I tried to reattach my front brake caliper. In doing so, I saw that the two pistons inside did not give me enough room to fit them back on the disc brake. Without fully thinking about the consequences I started to pump the brake hoping for it to just undo itself. Instead it pushed one of the brake pads out and I'm stuck not riding because the pistons are fully extended. Anyone know how to undo this? Thanks.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: black and silver twin on March 07, 2010, 05:45:29 PM
you need to push the pistons IN the caliper. Pulling the lever pushes them out. a c-clamp should push them in fine
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: MajorMalphunction on March 07, 2010, 05:50:17 PM
Thanks! I'll give it a try.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: PachmanP on March 07, 2010, 07:44:42 PM
Make sure you press them evenly or you could pop one piston out!
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: gsJack on March 07, 2010, 10:49:02 PM
I just push a large screwdriver in between the pads and twist it pushing on both pads at once if they are a little too close to slip back on the rotor.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: tt_four on March 08, 2010, 08:55:53 AM
You've never put a gouge in the brake pad with a screw driver?

I've used a C-clamp a number of times. It's very quick and easy. I think my brake pads are actaully squeezed together at the moment. I'll need to press them back in before i can stick my front wheel back in.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: JAY W on March 08, 2010, 04:04:10 PM
Before pushing the piston back,clean piston to prevent brakes sticking if necc`.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: MajorMalphunction on March 09, 2010, 01:08:01 AM
Thanks guys. Since I did not have a Clamp handy, I had to use the next "best" thing... a screw driver. Thankfully I had a set of new front brakes laying around to replace the ones that are pretty much worn down.  :dunno_black:

But I do agree, using a screw driver can 1. not apply the right amount of force and 2. can scratch up the brakes. At least from my experience.
Title: Re: Locked up Brake Caliper
Post by: tt_four on March 09, 2010, 06:01:21 AM
I used a C clamp to press in my front brake, but then I realized my rear was too tight too. I just used a screwdriver, haha. I'm sure if I looked around I've got something that would've been a bit gentler on the brake pads, but it worked. My rear rotor isn't that great anyway.