Hi
I am trying to install new brake pads, but the pistons on my brakes wont retract (like, at all!)
Am I doing something wrong?
by nicolais_far
Hi
I am trying to install new brake pads, but the pistons on my brakes wont retract (like, at all!)
Am I doing something wrong?
by nicolais_far
20 Comments
They may have been over bled at some point, if your going to bleed them any way removecthe bleed screw and that should help
You can also try and clean the inside of the caliper, then apply a bit of brake oil around the piston.
Flat screw driver head gently push out to unlock
Barely cranking it. They don’t push in willy nillie
There’s a special tool for that. I got a cheap version from AliExpress, it works, but if it’s very hard you may need to use something else, like a very large flat screwdriver and twist it in there…
Use some spray lube to lube/clean it then carefully pull the lever to get it unstuck without the piston popping out. Then push it back. Don’t forget to clean it with iso or plastic safe brake cleaner after
Remove the caliper strip it down as far as possible and use a G clamp or similar to push it back. You may need to release some oil and then bleed after.
Put your back into it, sissy.
Make sure you open the lever bleed port or you could blow out a seal.
It won’t retract from lightly pushing on it, it requires force
Open up the bleed port screw at the lever. Take a qtip and see if you can absorb some of the brake fluid. This might allow you to retract the piston further into the caliper. Replace pads and brake fluid as needed.
Sometimes the piston is simply seized (corrosion) and the caliper has to be replaced.
Push your brake piston out and clean your piston with brake cleaner or just soapy water and a tooth brush. Make sure to dry the piston, after that rub the piston in with the correct oil for your system and push the piston in and out to repeat this process around the 3 times
Use a long flat screwdriver
I had this last week. What worked for me was:
– opening the bleed port
– clean piston sides with alcohol
– putting a bit of brake fluid (mineral oil for me) onto the sides of the pistons
You’re not going to be able to push it all the way back in if the system was overbled or the bleed port is in the closed position. You are literally working against the brake fluid doing that.
Don’t listen to any of the nonsense of applying lube to your pistons. The mineral oil or Dot5 or whatever you plan to use can possibly contaminate your new brake pads. Just clean the pistons off and push them back then install your brake pads. Do not use a screwdriver on any ceramic pistons or you will most likely crack them. Get the proper tools to push them back.
Put a 4? mm Allen wrench in the slot between the pistons and grab the brake lever to push them out. (The Allen wrench keeps the pistons from going too far). Then put a little oil on a cotton swab and clean/lube the now-exposed pistons. Then use the box end of a 10 mm wrench and gently push the pistons back in. Then make sure the area inside the caliper is nice and clean before putting the new pads in.
I might take a lot of flak for the things I do to my brakes. I put the brake pads in, get a flat head screw driver or anything flat that would fit between the pads, get a clean cloth, wrap the flat head and jam it between the pads and then I twist it. Always make the piston retract on my MT200’s.
I’m having this same issue but mine won’t retract after being reinstalled and pulling the lever. Gets stuck against the disc