Help needed - fitting rear pads

[Tiz]

Hi folks

I posted in the Sportster forum some questions about how to fit rear pads. Unfortunately, I've hit a snag in that there isn't enough of a gap to fit the inner pad (the one nearest the wheel).

Advice help would be appreciated

[girlyglide]

You will need to push the pistons back into the caliper. It's their nature that as pads wear the pistons take up the slack. Check the brake fluid reservior level before pushing the pistons back as it can fluid lock if it's too full.

[Tiz]

I have removed some brake fluid from reservoir and pushed back as far as possible but there's still not enough clearance. It's almost like the caliper is out of line with the disc (parallel but not lining up)

[banquo]

Do you have stock discs?
I recently fitted floating discs, and the pads can no longer be fitted because the buttons that hold disc to centre get in the way. I've been advised that the only way to get them in is have the wheel off, fit pads to caliper, and then ease caliper on to disc. There's an improvement for you....

If you have stock discs that are the same thickness throughout, then the pads will fit; no doubt about it. I use a tyre lever to push the pistons back, because the curvy end makes it easier to lever, without damaging the disc. Bear in mind, the pistons have a habit of wandering back out after you've done that, especially if you're pushing the other side in...

Push the pistons right back on the furthest away pad first. Hold the new pad with its friction surface flat against the disc face, and slide across the disc face into the calliper recess. If it won't go in, your pistons aren't right back, or you have the wrong pads, or your disc isn't flat. Assuming you get the rear pad in place, temporarily refit the pad pins, to align it, then remove the pins, push the nearest pistons back, and do the front pad in the same way.

Not sure about the Sporty, but on mine, they recommend doing the pads one at a time. i.e. loosen the pad pins, and pull them out enough to release the rear pad, but not the front. Fit the rear pad, push the pins home to align it, and then press the brake, to seat the pad on the disc. Then remove the pad pins completely, and the rear pad should stay where it is, fit the front pads, and refit the pins.
Sounds fine, but I've never had a problem getting the pins to fit when doing them in pairs.

On the offchance you're getting the pad in between disc and calliper OK, but can't get the pins in, then remember the pads are spring loaded. You need to push them into the calliper body, against the spring pressure, otherwise the pins won't align with the holes.

As it's brakes, and if you're not sure, may be good to get someone who's done it before to look over it, just in case...

Finally, all above relates to a Softail, but assume yours will be pretty similar. A Repair Manual's essential, and the best investment you'll make..

[nutah]

i normaly get the piston back using a G clamp , works for cars too

[Urrell]

Tiz
It's only a little more work and may be easier if you remove the caliper so you can see whats going on. And may be easier to press piston in.

[Realbark]

Originally Posted by nutah

i normaly get the piston back using a G clamp , works for cars too

works for me

[Tiz]

Sorted

like a numpty, I forgot to take into account that the caliper moves as well . Now fitted, woo hoo.

And for those that know me, I've also got a NEW rear tyre on so might feel a bit more confident in the wet now with a tyre with tread

[Ulysses]

Thats great, now you can come out to play in the rain like the rest of us

[hagar]

Originally Posted by Realbark

works for me

Spaulding!

What a guy!