To install the rear pads and caliper on my 2012 Fatboy.
When I put the pads in the caliper then install the pad pin. I can't get the pads and caliper over the rotor as my wheel is in the way.
What do I need to do to get this caliper and pads installed?

 

So the caliper came off okay, but will not go back on? Make sure you compress the pistons back in with the new pads.

 

Piston are compressed OK. I just can't get the proper angle because the caliper hits the wheel.
I know there is a trick to this I just can't figure this out.

 

Install the caliper over the rotor, once it's in position put the pads in place.

 

That's what I was thinking but you can't do it that way, because the frame gets in the way when installing the pad pin.
According to the service manual you install the pads into the caliper then you install the pad pin and torque it to 80 to 110 in pounds. Then you install the pads and caliper on the rotor. But I can't get the pads and caliper over the rotor when installing as per the manual. The wheel get's in the way.

 

It's a tight fit, but not impossible (of course).
I wonder if you are trying to be too careful not to ding your wheel, and therefore unable to get it into the right position to get the caliper back over the rotor. Drape a towel or shop rag over your tire so that it hangs down enough to protect your wheel from the brake caliper while trying to work it back in. If you do this, you won't have to worry about damaging the wheel and you can put your concentration entirely into getting the caliper into the right position while keeping the pads in position, and working it back over the rotor. This may not make much sense to read, but give it a try if you haven't already and I almost guarantee it will come together for you...

 

Does this help?

 

On a few bikes I have worked on the brakes, I have found its better to r&r with the bike on the ground and not jacked up.

 

Masking tape the section of wheel near brake. Doesn't have to be pretty. It needs to be basically against the wheel to make the angle.

 

Doesn't help on a softail. But thanks anyway.