1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Front brake on!

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

  1. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

    Messages:
    992
    Likes Received:
    265
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Austin Texas USA ( a long way from the UK )
    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

    Messages:
    98
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    8
    Location:
    Exeter, NH
    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
    #2
  3. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,836
    Likes Received:
    815
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tsawwassen bc
    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
    #3
  4. k-moe

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

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,755
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    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
    #4
  5. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

    Messages:
    992
    Likes Received:
    265
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Austin Texas USA ( a long way from the UK )
    The PO said it was rebuilt but I don't know for sure.
     
    Ribo, May 21, 2015
    #5
  6. k-moe

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

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,755
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    This means that you should assume that it was not done.
     
    k-moe, May 21, 2015
    #6
    Hotcakesman likes this.
  7. Seca rider

    Seca rider New Member

    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Fremont, CA
    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
    #7
  8. Ribo

    Ribo Prefectionist

    Messages:
    992
    Likes Received:
    265
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Austin Texas USA ( a long way from the UK )
    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
    #8

Share This Page