Is suspect the answer is YES (so that the Pistons can be pushed back) but ... Is it necessary to remove the calipers to fit new front brake pads? I know you can remove the old pads easily enough with the calipers in situ.
Replacing front brake pads on a twin cam
- Thread starter Posh Pete
- Start date
if its just a pad change I use a big wide screw driver and put it between the pad pin holes and twist. The pistons should go back in easily. If they don't I suspect they would benefit from a good clean and lubrication using brake grease (red rubber grease that is specifically for brake rubbers).
To take the callipers off is simple. Undo the two bolts (T45 I think?) and the caliber can be cleaned using brake and clutch cleaner and a toothbrush. Gently pump the pistons out slap some grease around them and push them back in. If you can't do it with firm thumb pressure I suggest that you need to pump the pistons in and out a few times and give them a gentle twist. I further recommend that you don't twist them until you have managed to get some grease on them as you could tear a seal.
This method has kept the brakes on my 07 GS going for 98K miles and several winters. They are still moving freely and have no corrosion on them.
To take the callipers off is simple. Undo the two bolts (T45 I think?) and the caliber can be cleaned using brake and clutch cleaner and a toothbrush. Gently pump the pistons out slap some grease around them and push them back in. If you can't do it with firm thumb pressure I suggest that you need to pump the pistons in and out a few times and give them a gentle twist. I further recommend that you don't twist them until you have managed to get some grease on them as you could tear a seal.
This method has kept the brakes on my 07 GS going for 98K miles and several winters. They are still moving freely and have no corrosion on them.
(RIP) Bin Ridin
Registered user
the manual says you can change the pads with calipers in situ. Push the pistons back one caliper at a time, probable to avoid oveflowing the reservoir.
use a wedge between the old pads to save damage to the pistons
Worth taking the callipers off to give them a good clean in my opinion. I always give them a good scrub with some washing up liquid and an old tooth brush to get rid of all the road crap and brake dust that builds up in there.
If you ride in the salt of wnter then you "need" to do what Bilco says!!!
Seriously you are just going to push road dirt and salts back into the outer scraper ring here's a tip for you
If you can;t push them back by your fingers they need to be either pumped till they are near out and cleaned
OR If they are still very tight then they need popped out cleaned and rubber greased
If they are very tight you will probably find a load of salt behind the scraper rings
Strangely enough its usually only one or two per calliper that are the issue
UNLESS you get stuff like this to Fix!!
Anyway you get the idea and its worth it because they do clean up well
Seriously you are just going to push road dirt and salts back into the outer scraper ring here's a tip for you
If you can;t push them back by your fingers they need to be either pumped till they are near out and cleaned
OR If they are still very tight then they need popped out cleaned and rubber greased
If they are very tight you will probably find a load of salt behind the scraper rings
Strangely enough its usually only one or two per calliper that are the issue
UNLESS you get stuff like this to Fix!!
Anyway you get the idea and its worth it because they do clean up well
Thanks gents. Will get the toothbrush and silicone grease out.
Bendy toy
Registered user
Don't use silicone grease!! It's too slippery.
Brake pistons need to stick in the seals then the distorted seal will pull the piston back. Silicone grease causes them to slip too easily so the brakes don't release properly.
If brakes are binding pump the pistons right out. Carefully remove the seals, clean everything, grease with red rubber grease and replace the piston. If you don't leave it to get too bad, the seals might be reusable.
New seals at the back are under £20 so may as well replace. At front you can only get seal & piston kits for £60 a set.
Four piston calipers need a steel strip clamp and a hard wood block. Use the clamp to hold one piston in. Put the wood between the other two. Use a cycle tyre pump to blow out the remaining piston. Clean it and replace.
Move the clamp and blocks around to do the other three pistons.
Note how the seals came out so you can put them back the same way.
Brake pistons need to stick in the seals then the distorted seal will pull the piston back. Silicone grease causes them to slip too easily so the brakes don't release properly.
If brakes are binding pump the pistons right out. Carefully remove the seals, clean everything, grease with red rubber grease and replace the piston. If you don't leave it to get too bad, the seals might be reusable.
New seals at the back are under £20 so may as well replace. At front you can only get seal & piston kits for £60 a set.
Four piston calipers need a steel strip clamp and a hard wood block. Use the clamp to hold one piston in. Put the wood between the other two. Use a cycle tyre pump to blow out the remaining piston. Clean it and replace.
Move the clamp and blocks around to do the other three pistons.
Note how the seals came out so you can put them back the same way.
I use wood and G-clamps to hold 3 of the four pistons fully in, then use the brake lever to pump out the 4th piston as far as I dare before cleaning with toothbrush and a strip of cloth around the piston. When clean push fully home and repeat 3 more times. Do this at least one a year. Alloy wheel cleaner can be used but I dilute it 50% in case it attacks the caliper.
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