screwed up

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Sep 30, 2013 | 08:59 AM

98fat

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 276

Likes: 1

screwed up

I have the rear wheel off my fattie to rewire the rear brake light. I hit the rear (oops) brake to test the light and forgot the rotor wasnt between the pads. Now I can't get them pried apart to put the wheel back on. Any suggestions?

Sep 30, 2013 | 05:24 PM

jreichart

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,918

Likes: 5

From: Heber Springs, AR

Keep prying, evenly and carefully. The pistons will push back. Maybe take the cap off the master cylinder to let the fluid flow back without resistance. Good opportunity to clean the pistons though. They are not booted, so brake dust can accumulate on them. Soak a shoe string in brake cleaner and use it to "floss" around the pistons.

Sep 30, 2013 | 05:33 PM

olongapo1

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 970

Likes: 19

From: Philippines

Jreichart,

Flossing with a string and brake cleaner is a Great Idea. Hadn't thought of that.

Sep 30, 2013 | 05:48 PM

schlacker

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 2,380

Likes: 45

From: Twinsburg, OH

I've used everything from the disc brake spreader I use on my cage to c-clamps.

Sep 30, 2013 | 05:52 PM

RANGER73

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 15,420

Likes: 7,118

From: Beyond Fucital

Put an old pad against the piston and use a "C" clamp to push it back in.

Sep 30, 2013 | 06:12 PM

parttime379

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 72

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From: Sherburne, NY

crack open the bleeder

Sep 30, 2013 | 07:13 PM

harleyheaven

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 1,205

Likes: 3

From: Mebane, NC

A 4 inch metal putty knife can help. This puts even pressure on the pad and if needed will allow the use of a screw driver or pry bar and not damage the pads.

I agree with jreichart . If it's already apart might as well give the pistons a good cleaning.