Changing front calipers - Update

[HarryHornby]

OK, so the story of the "cheap" chinese leavers continues today.. I'm replacing my calipers (having snapped the bleed valve last time out, and deciding to replace the RHS too because of the knocking that some of you (Punk, Red etc) heard on our last ride out)


so, here goes, be prepared for tales of woe and foccing it up..... 

! No longer available

Will report back later

[HarryHornby]

OK, the calipers are off.  Brake fluid foccing everywhere, lots of soapy water to get it off wheels and tyres straght away.  Don't think I could have helped it, it pissed out as I undid the banjo bolt and quickly put it on the new caliper.


Question:  Which way do the pad springs go?  I didn't take notice before they popped off (typical me, I will learn one day).  I've read the Haynes manual and think I've got it right, just want to check.


The springs have an arrow on, should they be fitted with the arrow pointing in the direction of wheel rotation?


Question 2:  I would like to give the pistons a clean and put some red rubber grease on them.  Currently there is no pressure in the system so I need to bleed the brakes to get the pistons to move out enough to clean (at present they are pushed all the way in). 


Is it ok to bleed the brakes with the pads out or will this result in the pistons coming out all the way and falling out?  Or will pistons only move once the brakes are bled a bit and I apply the brakes with everything done up?  Does that make sense?  I know what I mean. ha ha


Cheers in advance.

[NorthWestern]

Bleed with the pads in.  You can do it without them but you will likely overflow the reservoir when you push the pistons back to get pads in. Easier to do it with them in place

[darrsi]

Arrow facing upwards

[HarryHornby]

Arrow facing upwards

    thank you.

[HarryHornby]

I've only gone and bloody done it!!!  Had another biker friend round this afternoon to help me bleed them and all seems ok.  I only road it 50 yards up the road to make sure there were no horrible noises and there weren't and it stopped too.  This could be a job well done!