Pistons on brake calipers wont move?

Wise1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Karma :

I am relplacing the pads on my bike and the pistons on the calipers wont go back in far enough to get the new pads in, any ideas how to get them to go back?
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rotax81 · Nearly there... Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Karma :

time to strip them and clean them. if you do get them in they will get stuck on. thats if they are THAT hard to get back.
unless you are a wimp, im that case force them back with clever use of a screwdriver lol Very Happy

also check that the reservoir is not full to the brim or it will be difficult to move Wink

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Wise1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Karma :

nope def wont move back in, thats what I thought time to strip and clean, might as well now they are off Mr. Green

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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

No no , unless you have the piston removal tool then you should pump the lever using a solid object on each caliper when they are out far enough to move the other pistons, else you won't be able to get the pistons out.
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alun111 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2007 Karma :

FerretFing · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Karma :

Easiest way I`ve found to push the pistons in is to put a piece of tubing (of correct diameter) onto the bleed nipple, undo it a turn or so & then push the pistons in & remember to tighten the bleed nipple up afterwards - Also, make sure you clean the exposed part of the pistons before you start or you`ll be pushing muck etc past the seals Thumbs Up

butterob · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 May 2006 Karma :

nice big screwdriver and alot of arm strength! failing that there are proper tools but they can get pricey for what they do
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mentali-juan · Scooby Slapper Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Karma :

If they are no better after a strip and clean with a toothbrush and a tin of brake cleaner then I would probably replace the piston seals & bleed them.

Pump the pistons out a bit(not right out or they will fall out) and clean with toothbrush & cleaner.

Bit of red grease on the piston seals.

My old gsxr had 6 pot tokicos and were always doing this especially through winter.

Once I changed the seals(loads on 6 pots) they were ok but needed a clean now & again to keep them like that.

I am no expert though tbh.

Wise1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Karma :

Sorted, the piston was jammed solid so I took the calipers off the front to give them a clean anyway, the piston that would not move was all dry on the inside and had seized.

Its all good now though.

Just need to bleed the front bakes tomorrow and thats it.
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