Wanted to change brake pads, cups won't retract.

[acpantera]

So I have one pad that is getting close to 1mm. I bought a set of pads from BOP thinking this should be an easy swap out.
I can not get the cups to retract far enough to get the new pads in, I did not try to crack the bleeder open yet, but maybe I need to pull the caliper/brg assy (pita) and rebuild.
Has anyone been able to just pry the cups back far enough for new pads? Do you need to crack the bleeder to retract the cups? or does it need to come apart completely? 2022Tcat 7,000mi.

 

[74Nitro]

So I have one pad that is getting close to 1mm. I bought a set of pads from BOP thinking this should be an easy swap out.
I can not get the cups to retract far enough to get the new pads in, I did not try to crack the bleeder open yet, but maybe I need to pull the caliper/brg assy (pita) and rebuild.
Has anyone been able to just pry the cups back far enough for new pads? Do you need to crack the bleeder to retract the cups? or does it need to come apart completely? 2022Tcat 7,000mi.

I think they are just binding as you are prying.

 

[acpantera]

I think they are just binding as you are prying.

Have any tips to share? I pry on the old pads, but can't anything in towards the center of were I ideally need to exert force.

 

[74Nitro]

You may have to remove the caliper so then you can use a C clamp. But don't split the caliper.

 

[acpantera]

I have split the caliper before, just to grease the bearing. Looks like I'll be doing my bearing service early this season. Have more rides planned for this season, over 2,200mi this year and counting, just want to make sure I've got brakes at 100mph.

 

[stgdz]

Split caliper

It's way easier and faster than pulling the caliper off the tunnel.


I've done the tunnel method multiple times and splitting the caliper last time. I will take splitting the caliper over pulling it any day. Pull the brake line off and use compressed air to push the pistons out.

 

[74Nitro]

Split caliper

It's way easier and faster than pulling the caliper off the tunnel.


I've done the tunnel method multiple times and splitting the caliper last time. I will take splitting the caliper over pulling it any day. Pull the brake line off and use compressed air to push the pistons out.

He wants them in.

 

[stgdz]

He wants them in.

yeah, I've been there before. The only way is to remove the caliper or split it.

 

[acpantera]

Thanks folks.
I've put a lot of brake pads on my street bikes, never have I had cups refuse to be pushed in. Oh well, not the first time that something looks simple and then turns into a project.

 

[Turboflash]

Have you tried a offset pry bar, like one with a bend near end so you can apply force more towards back of pistons?

 

[acpantera]

Have you tried a offset pry bar, like one with a bend near end so you can apply force more towards back of pistons?

Maybe the outer puck, no way on the inner.
I picked up a new seal today, gonna split the caliper tomorrow. Servicing the bearing too.

 

[74Nitro]

I've done it both ways, but after having done many there is rarely a need to split the caliper. Once the caliper is off the shaft, use a C-clamp or two to squeeze the pistons back in. The pistons are not as wide as your typical caliper which is why they can get a little sideways and bind.
Some C clamps require modification to get them where you want them.

 

[acpantera]

Tomorrow's project, warmer day. Just want two more rides this season, oldforge for snowfest and Northern Ontario. Starting to think motorcycle season and getting the sporty car out.