Another numpty RT question

[robc]

Afternoon all,
I wanted to take off the front brake calipers at the weekend to check the brake pad wear. On the GS they just slip off the disc. On the RT the smaller radius and increased width makes this more difficult. I couldn't remove the calipers because the wheel was in the way.

What's the trick here? Remove the wheel first? If so, that would make it much harder to refit.

I only tried for a few minutes so I'm sure there is a simple way of doing this that didn't ocurr to me at that time.

Yes, I know I can check the pad wear by looking through the gap in the calipers but I wanted to be able to see all of the pad to make sure the wear was even.

Regards

Rob C

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Mask the wheels near the calipers, with masking tape

Undo the 2 caliper fork mounting bolts (per caliper) and remove them

Waggle the caliper, from side to side 'in situ', to free off the pads and slide the pistons back

Now with the little bit of free play in the pads, you will just about get the calipres off the discs (but you will touch the cast wheel, hence the masking tape)

HTH

 

[BBB61]

You could try removing the pads, as this can be done without having to remove the calipers on the RT.

 

[robc]

Hi Bob,
Not sure about that. I've got the BMW branded calipers on both my GS and RT. I have to remove the calipers on the GS so I can pull out the retaining pin circlip.

I'll take a close look next time to double check this.

Regards

Rob C

 

[BBB61]

Rob, it is very straightforward, I did it on my RT a couple of weeks ago. You just need to pull out the clip first and then remove the pin and you will then be able to lift the pads out easily. I'm assuming you have a 1200RT.

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

No, its posted in ....850/1100/1150 Four Valve Oil Head Boxers , and previous posts say R1150RT, anyway, I think the pads can still be removed leaving caliper in situ, images of the 1150rt front end show the calipers to be very similar to the 1200rt's (Which certainly can be removed without removing the caliper)
Only the R1100RT needs the calipers removing to get at the pads AFAIK

 

[Myke Rocks]

Cannot understand the problem.

I have put 2 tyres in front of R1200rt.
Cannot understand the problem.
I just unbolt the 2 calipers, slide them back & clear of the disk, & then remove wheel.
If in doubt, twist the caliper on the disk slightly after unbolting it to push pads back a little & generate clearance. I would probably do this without thinking.

If you do remove calipers, after reinstalling, always squeeze brake lever a few times to push pads back into contact with disk before swithing on ignition or taking bike off stand.

Myke

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

I have put 2 tyres in front of R1200rt.
Cannot understand the problem.
I just unbolt the 2 calipers, slide them back & clear of the disk, & then remove wheel.
If in doubt, twist the caliper on the disk slightly after unbolting it to push pads back a little & generate clearance. I would probably do this without thinking.

If you do remove calipers, after reinstalling, always squeeze brake lever a few times to push pads back into contact with disk before swithing on ignition or taking bike off stand.

Myke