Brake Pad Kit

[forexbob]

As I'm having so much fun with the carbs I thought I'd add to my enjoyment and deal with the front brakes.

After cleaning I noticed this:



It seems as though there are shims on the one but I can't understand why given the location of these things. The fit snugly over the caliper and it doesn't make sense to me why a shim would be required.

Also, I am unable to pull the piston out of the cylinder. Is there a special puller to do this or is it just brute force and ignorance. I've got it part way out but that's it. Haven't even looked at the other one yet.

Thanks
Bob

[bikerphil]

Those black rubber pieces are just to reduce vibrations that can cause brake pad squeal, no biggie if they are missing on one. If you are trying to remove the caliper piston, either push it out with the master cylinder fluid pressure. If it's off the bike, compressed air will work, just watch your fingers when that piston comes flying out. A grease gun works for removing pistons too, hook it to the open bleeder screw.

[forexbob]

It is of the bike so I'll try the compressed air method.
Excellent, thanks

Bob

[DGXSER]

Like Phil stated, for the compressed air method, I put a balled up rag in front of the piston, between it and the caliper "forks". Let it catch the piston, do not let your fingers get in there. That piston will likely come flying out like a bullet and would smash/ tear up your fingers.

[natemoen]

Put a small wood shim or some cardboard over the piston and then put rags over the caliprr when using compressed air. She will fly of you don't!

[crazy steve]

Those 'shims' are stainless steel clips that prevent the pads from wearing the soft aluminum brackets and also help locate/retain the pads; make sure you reinstall them. There's also supposed to be a thin shim on both pads; between the caliper body on the inside pad, and the pad and the piston. These are usually missing, and if they are it's not a big deal.

As far as getting a stuck piston out, if you have a grease gun, plug the hose hole with an appropriate bolt, loosen the bleed screw, then put the gun on the screw. Start pumping, and the piston will ooze right out...

[greatnw]

Best tip I ever got here was the grease gun for the stuck caliper. Worked great!