Changing front brakes

[francofontain]

Hi all,
in the middle of changing my frontbrakes but can't for the life of me push the brake pistons back!! Any suggestions?
Ta

[francophile1947]

I usually use a G clamp (or a crowbar between the old pads). Don't forget to watch that the brake fluid reservoir doesn't overflow as you push the pistons back in - the fluid is a damned good paint remover

[ScubaBongo]

It's hard work isn't it?! On my BMW I used a piece of wood (the handle of my claw hammer) to slowly lever it back. I imagine it's even harder on the Bongo, especially if you are re-using the brake discs (and hence can't mash them up in the leavering process).

Just got to attack it basically, like an animal. I love the way DIY auto guides always write "push back the piston" which gives you the impression you could do it with one finger!

[mikeonb4c]

I usually use a G clamp (or a crowbar between the old pads). Don't forget to watch that the brake fluid reservoir doesn't overflow as you push the pistons back in - the fluid is a damned good paint remover

That's how I do it and once you've sussed it it is eezy peezy. I use a piece of wood against the slave piston in order to protect it from any local damage from the metal G clamp.

[francofontain]

Ta all managed it in the end brute force and intelligence Had to get a mechanic to do the drivers side tho! Couldn't get the caliper off and maged to break 2 spanners in the process!!

Ta again

Franco

[brorabongo]

This is not giving me the courage to be able to change mine in a weeks time. Changing pads is one job I've never done before.

[You've Been Bongod]

This is not giving me the courage to be able to change mine in a weeks time. Changing pads is one job I've never done before.

donnald front and rear pads a peice of cake mate
if i can do them anyone can

[steviebongo]

I use a big set of water pump pliers,to push back pistons at work ,the key is to use sustained,steady pressure when pushing back,rather than going all out gungho.and when replacing the pads make sure the carrier is as clean as possible so the new pads don't stick !



cheers stevie.

[brorabongo]

I use a big set of water pump pliers,to push back pistons at work ,the key is to use sustained,steady pressure when pushing back,rather than going all out gungho.and when replacing the pads make sure the carrier is as clean as possible so the new pads don't stick !



cheers stevie.

I could always take them ( the Pads) with me to Aberfoyle..........

No chance, I hear you say!!!



By-the-way whats a carrier?

I must print off the fact sheet before starting, might even give my calipers a touch of paint while I'm at it.

[dandywarhol]

Remove the reservoir cap and put a piece of clean cloth on top before pushing the pistons back - otherwise you're trying to force air out of a small hole in the cap and as franco says, if excess fluid comes shooting out the breather hole it'll go for yards - usually over the paintwork

[brorabongo]

donnald front and rear pads a peice of cake mate
if i can do them anyone can

Thanks YBB, that has helped to to put my mind at rest.

[Trouble at t'Mill]

The pressure you apply on the piston face should be as central as possible, and as 'straight' as possible.

I've used various things in the past such as the handle of a hammer which is oval-shaped so gives excellent leverage when rotated between the piston face and the brake disc - just slip in spacers such as thin ply every time you need extra travel. I ahve also had success by placing a thin flat piece of wood/ply/mdf against the piston face before applying a lever to the middle of this piece and prising it using the disc edge as the fulcrum point - the disc should survive ok!

Any force which acts just on one side of the piston is likely to make it much harder for you.