Help

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 5, 2011 | 10:14 AM

#11

harleyheaven

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 1,205

Likes: 3

From: Mebane, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoggyMtnBreakdown

Yep, rear tire should not have to come off. I pulled my rear brake caliper fine without having to take the wheel off. Service manual doesn't specify taking the wheel off, either. Unless the design of the swingarm and caliper have undergone a vast design change between 03 & 08 (besides the wider tire), there should be no reason that wheel would have to come off.

My caliper is held on by the axle so it can't be removed without at leat sliding the axle partially out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkiley

The rear pads are held in by 2 pins that screw in. No need to remove the caliper or axle. Just use a large screwdriver or pry bar with something covering them to press the pistons back in. Insert the pads and reinstall the pins.
Get the correct manual for your bike. There are subtle changes between years and you'll feel better knowing you did the job right.

This is what I did. With the old pads still installed I used a putty knife to compress the pistons a little and then removed the old pads. If the pistons need to be compressed more you can get a large screwdriver or pry bar in there to compress the pistons enough to install the new pads. As I said before, it's tight but very doable. Just be careful and take your time so you don't scratch up anything.