madcyclist09
Regular
I am replacing my disc pads, I got them out ok, but I can't seem to be able get the new one back in, the piston are pushed in.
Any advice would be appreciated
Any advice would be appreciated
struggling with disc pads
- Thread starter madcyclist09
- Start date
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Alex321
Guru
- Location
- South Wales
If you can't get the new ones in, then the pistons almost certainly aren't fully pushed in.
It is surprising how much force it takes to push them right back in when they have become extended due to old pads being worn right down. If you can see ANY piston sticking out, then they are not fully in, they should be completely level with the surrounding surface.
It is surprising how much force it takes to push them right back in when they have become extended due to old pads being worn right down. If you can see ANY piston sticking out, then they are not fully in, they should be completely level with the surrounding surface.
Gwylan
Guru
- Location
- All at sea⛵
OP
OP
madcyclist09
Regular
Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Squeeze the lever a bit and push pistons back, repeat a few times, to ease them up so they push fully back more easily. After that; removing the bleed port cap on the lever can make it easier to push the pistons back fully. Make sure bike stays upright and bars won’t swing if you do this last bit. Don’t forget to put bleed port cap back on. Do not lose o ring either. A 2 or 3mm allen key I think. Replaced my pads just over a week ago.
Homers Double
Senior Member
There's some bad advice here, the easiest way is a blunt flat blade, sort of like a chisel and lever the piston back into the caliper squarly.
Do not spray silicone on pistons, they actually rely on brake fluid as a lubricant. I'd suggest a slight smear of this on the piston diamiter (not the face) before you push it back in.
Once you put the new pads in the pistons should self centralise when you apply the brakes.
Do not spray silicone on pistons, they actually rely on brake fluid as a lubricant. I'd suggest a slight smear of this on the piston diamiter (not the face) before you push it back in.
Once you put the new pads in the pistons should self centralise when you apply the brakes.
Punkawallah
Veteran
Wooden ones, I take it :-)
Go to your LBS, I do. Replacing disc brake pads is a horrible chore! Good invention (see other thread) but a not well thought out one.
Alex321
Guru
- Location
- South Wales
The only time it has taken me much more than 5 minutes is when the calipers still had the stupi original screw madee from soft toffeee. Once I replaced that with a split pin, it really is a very easy job.
If you find it difficult, you probably haven't pushed the pistons fully bag - when teh pads are worn right down, the pistons don't retract normally, and it is surprising how much force (with a flat blade of some sort) is needed to push them in.
But oce you are aware of that, it really is a trivial job.
figbat
Former slippery scientist
- Location
- South Oxfordshire, UK
I use a large flat screwdriver and leave the old pads in place. By a combination of levering and twisting the blade I can get the pistons all the way back in with no fear of damaging them.
Last edited:
OP
OP
madcyclist09
Regular
I have done it, with the aid of this brake tool.
Thank you all for your advice 😃
Thank you all for your advice 😃
