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Front brake on!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Ribo, May 21, 2015.

  1. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    Hey guys,

    If you're following my other threads you'll know I took the front wheel off recently. Well I got it all back together and the caliper in place but now it's like the break is on. I managed to get the pads on but they are touching the disk and fairly tightly. This is probably a 101 question but what's the best approach to returning the piston to be open. Do I need to bleed them a little?
     
    Ribo, May 21, 2015
    #1
  2. pygmy_goat_

    pygmy_goat_ Member

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    Not saying this is the best way, but I usually GENTLY pry them apart with a really big screwdriver on the metal (not braking part) of the brake pads. I can usually get enough play that way to get the wheel on. If you have the system properly bled already, I don't know that letting any fluid out (short of all of it) will do anything.
     
    pygmy_goat_, May 21, 2015
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  3. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    Halt ... Before you end up with a park brake pull back the rubber boot on the piston and make sure your not pushing dirt and rust back into calliper
     
    Toomanybikes, May 21, 2015
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  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Did you rebuild the brake system? If not, you should. The seals and hoses were specced to be replaced every four years.
     
    k-moe, May 21, 2015
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  5. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    The PO said it was rebuilt but I don't know for sure.
     
    Ribo, May 21, 2015
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  6. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    This means that you should assume that it was not done.
     
    k-moe, May 21, 2015
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    Hotcakesman likes this.
  7. Seca rider

    Seca rider New Member

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    I use a brake piston compressor tool that I also use on my cars to replace the pads. I got it at the local auto parts store, 10 to 15 bucks. You use one of your old pads against the piston and turn the knob to compress the piston into the bore to make room for your new pads. I remove the master cylinder cover and wrap a shop towel around it to catch any brake fluid that might spill. Makes pad changes a breeze. But like K-Moe said make sure to rebuild the piston seals and replace the lines if it wasn't done. Your master cylinder could probably use some attention too.
     
    Seca rider, May 21, 2015
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  8. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

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    master is brand new after-market. I took the caliper off again and it looks like the PO did rebuild it - rubber looks new and it makes sense cos that was the only thing that was almost clean when I got it. I got a clamp out and was able to compress the piston back in nice and easy and it's good now. I'll keep an eye on it when and if I finally get in back on the road. I know front brake is my life.

    Thanks y'all
     
    Ribo, May 21, 2015
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