Not enough space between brake pads

Pete7874 · 07-08-2010, 11:34 PM

I am installing new pads. After I place both of them inside the caliper, they are pretty much touching each other and there is absolutely no space to squeeze the disc in-between them. I am guessing the caliper cylinder has contracted. How do I make space for the disc?

The manual says not to touch the brake lever while the pads are out, and I followed that. Do I need to release some brake fluid through the air bleeder valve the make the caliper expand?

Thanks.

BillInGA · 07-08-2010, 11:48 PM

The brake caliper piston adjusts to accommodate the decreasing width of the brake pads. I have used a c-clamp to compress the cylinder to make room for the new (and thicker) brake pads. I also put a rag between the clamp and the calipers.

Bill

ncff07 · 07-09-2010, 01:25 AM

I've used a c-clamp on vehicles but not bikes but its the same principle and works good. Tighten it a little then give it a minutes for the pressure to back off then turn a little more till you get the space you need. I always leave the old pad on the caliper doing that too so it wont go back in at an angle.

Pete7874 · 07-09-2010, 01:50 AM

Got it done. Had to release brake fluid from the system to be able to squeeze the piston back in. I did complete brake bleed afterwards. However, many times when I come to a stop now, I hear a strange rumbling sound coming from the front brakes. It's not squeak. It's more like a vibration. It even continues after I release the brake lever. Any idea what it could be?

Water Warrior 2 · 07-09-2010, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncff07

I've used a c-clamp on vehicles but not bikes but its the same principle and works good. Tighten it a little then give it a minutes for the pressure to back off then turn a little more till you get the space you need. I always leave the old pad on the caliper doing that too so it wont go back in at an angle.

Excellent hint for the inexperienced(that's me)DIY mechanic. Might actually be doing that next week myself too. I will have the wheels off for new tires and that is a very good time to do an inspection of pads and assorted parts. Thank you so much. :2tup:

alantf · 07-09-2010, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7874

now, I hear a strange rumbling sound coming from the front brakes. It's not squeak. It's more like a vibration. It even continues after I release the brake lever. Any idea what it could be?

Did you lubricate the "pins" that the pads slide in & out on? This MAY be your problem (not lubricating them, that is)

bonehead · 07-09-2010, 08:23 AM

Just make sure one of the pads did not get installed backwards.

Sarris · 07-09-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarris

Re: Front brake pad troubles...
Open the bleeder, push the pistons back by hand (some brake fluid will come out of the bleeder) and close the bleeder. Insert the pads and top off the reservoir.

My previous post from a previous discussion..........

Pete7874 · 07-09-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alantf

Did you lubricate the "pins" that the pads slide in & out on? This MAY be your problem (not lubricating them, that is)

I did not. The service manual didn't mention anything about that. That is probably my problem. Can I spray some WD40 in there or do I need to take the whole thing apart again?

blaine · 07-09-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7874

Quote:

Originally Posted by alantf

Did you lubricate the "pins" that the pads slide in & out on? This MAY be your problem (not lubricating them, that is)

I did not. The service manual didn't mention anything about that. That is probably my problem. Can I spray some WD40 in there or do I need to take the whole thing apart again?

NO! You need to put some Hi-heat grease on the pins and slides.Also make sure every thing is clean & rust free when it is apart. :2tup:

07-08-2010, 11:34 PM	#1
Pete7874 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 65	Not enough space between brake pads I am installing new pads. After I place both of them inside the caliper, they are pretty much touching each other and there is absolutely no space to squeeze the disc in-between them. I am guessing the caliper cylinder has contracted. How do I make space for the disc? The manual says not to touch the brake lever while the pads are out, and I followed that. Do I need to release some brake fluid through the air bleeder valve the make the caliper expand? Thanks. __________________ Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-08-2010, 11:48 PM	#2
BillInGA Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 296	Re: Not enough space between brake pads The brake caliper piston adjusts to accommodate the decreasing width of the brake pads. I have used a c-clamp to compress the cylinder to make room for the new (and thicker) brake pads. I also put a rag between the clamp and the calipers. Bill __________________ ATGATT - All The Gear, All The Time
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07-09-2010, 01:25 AM	#3
ncff07 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 182	Re: Not enough space between brake pads I've used a c-clamp on vehicles but not bikes but its the same principle and works good. Tighten it a little then give it a minutes for the pressure to back off then turn a little more till you get the space you need. I always leave the old pad on the caliper doing that too so it wont go back in at an angle. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-09-2010, 01:50 AM	#4
Pete7874 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 65	Re: Not enough space between brake pads Got it done. Had to release brake fluid from the system to be able to squeeze the piston back in. I did complete brake bleed afterwards. However, many times when I come to a stop now, I hear a strange rumbling sound coming from the front brakes. It's not squeak. It's more like a vibration. It even continues after I release the brake lever. Any idea what it could be? __________________
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07-09-2010, 08:23 AM	#7
bonehead Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: elgin,tx Posts: 907	Re: Not enough space between brake pads Just make sure one of the pads did not get installed backwards. __________________ Standing with the PGR until they stand for me.
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