thomasrolewis Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 Hey guys, So I tried to take my front calliper off today, followed all the steps in the manual but to no joy. When I undo the bolts and slacken the pad retaining bolts the calliper is meant to "slide" off. Well, mine doesn't. I think the pads are sticking or something. Anyway, I have no idea what to do now. Hit it with a hammar? Until I get it off I can't do anything though. What's your advice? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasrolewis Posted April 21, 2012 Author Share Posted April 21, 2012 Nevermind, I didn't realize you could open the bleed valve a bit to help it come off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Airhead Posted April 21, 2012 Moderator Share Posted April 21, 2012 neither did i...perhaps theres something wrong with the master cylinder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasrolewis Posted April 21, 2012 Author Share Posted April 21, 2012 Well I just watched a video on youtube, the guy was just like "oh, it's not coming off. I'll just bleed it a little." And then it came off. Yeah, I'm guessing mine needs a big ass clean, because it looks like it hasn't been done for a long while. I'll order some new pads and try to get it off to clean it tomorrow. Bleeding makes sense as it releases pressure, right? How would you do it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Airhead Posted April 21, 2012 Moderator Share Posted April 21, 2012 bleeding releases pressure? yeah i suppose it does but there shouldnt be any pressure to release unless the brake lever is being squeezed...no too well up on hydraulic brakes though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasrolewis Posted April 21, 2012 Author Share Posted April 21, 2012 I have no idea how the previous owner felt safe on this bike. I'll try and sort the brakes, I should wait for my new pads first though I think. Could be that one of the pistons has been pushed out way more than the other. Causing it to stick as well as wear unevenly I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icedragon Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I have a lot more experience on car calipers than bike ones but there along the same lines. Opening the blees valve on the caliper (nipple) will obviously let fluid out but if you can't push the pistons back without opening up the nipple you have a problem that needs addressing. My advice would be to clamp the break pipe and remove it. Get a small screw driver or pri-bar and force it open with the old pads in so not to damage the caliper. You could get a wedge and knock it inetween the pads. Try not to hit the caliper with a hammer because I have cracked a few in my time hitting them. Once it's off get it in a vice and clean it up. You could try to get a bigger bar in or clamp to fit in it or even a caliper wind back tool. If you still have no joy you could try soaking it in wd40 over night and trying again. If nothing still eBay it is. Don't forget everytime you open the nipple you risk getting air in the system. Even if you just back it off just to force the pads off you will Suck air in. Its not a problem ad Long as you bleed it up when you have finished. Hope this helps. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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