Juicy five AAAARRRRGGGGGG

[pmortuary]

Ok so I brought home a new roter and pads. I've never replaced a hydro set before and I'm having trouble getting the pads back in. The calipers wont retrack far enough. I've heard that on Moto's if you runs the calipers out to far you have to drain/bleed them prior to installing new pads.

Is them same true for bikes?

Help Fast It's in pieces in the living room!!!

[amor587]

Try taking the pads out and pushing the calipers back with the flat screwdriver or something equivalent.

[mottmcfly]

Are both doing the same thing? I usually stick a straight edge screwdriver in and force them apart. Most people will say that's crazy. Other than that. Bleed the brakes. It's good practice anyway just to make sure no air is in the system.

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by amor587

Try taking the pads out and pushing the calipers back with the flat screwdriver or something equivalent.

That and make sure the little spring thing goes in between the pads.

[Rawhead]

While the Avid Juicy Fives are "Self Adjusting" calipers, I have found when installing new pads, the pistons don't seems to retract all the way back in... causing the pads to drag. this tool will make your life much easier:




It is basically a shim that can safely be used between your new pads to push the caliper pistons back in. You should be able to pick one up from your local bike shop. I got mine from the fine folks at Switchback Cyclery.

[Bryguy17]

Just get a broad flat head screwdriver (as wide of a tip as you can get and still fit it in the slot a decent ways) and slowly pry the pads apart. That's what I do whenever I pinch my brakes by accident. You won't do anything to the pads if you are smooth and gentle with your prying.

The red tool mentioned by rawhead is quite nice, but I found it does not work well for spreading the pads apart. They do however work very well for keeping your brakes from getting pinched when the wheel is not on (That's what they're there for, to keep the brakes from pinching when a rotor isn't in the caliper)

[pmortuary]

all great suggestions That I've already tried. Problem is I have the old pads out. The new ones wont fit between the pistons. What would be the best place to relieve pressure? Undo the resivor cap or something else? I have the above mentioned "little red tool" but again the old pads are out.

[mottmcfly]

Originally Posted by pmortuary

all great suggestions That I've already tried. Problem is I have the old pads out. The new ones wont fit between the pistons. What would be the best place to relieve pressure? Undo the resivor cap or something else? I have the above mentioned "little red tool" but again the old pads are out.

Then you have to open the system. Undo the cap on the Brake assembly.

Do this outside. There might be pressure built up and it may leak out.

[Rawhead]

If you still have the old pads, reinstall them and use a tool to press the pistons back into the caliper. Then try reinstalling your new pads.

Keep in mind if you do open the system to relieve pressure, I would recommend bleeding the system before you ride.

[mfoga]

I dont have 5s but on my 3s I can take flat head and very easily press the pistons back in.

[pmortuary]

Originally Posted by Rawhead

If you still have the old pads, reinstall them and use a tool to press the pistons back into the caliper. Then try reinstalling your new pads.

Keep in mind if you do open the system to relieve pressure, I would recommend bleeding the system before you ride.

Awesome suggestion thanks very much. I reinstalled the old pds put the spacer in, then with the ole pads in I put a "bit" of pressure with the flathead. Then I installed the new pads with out the spring worked the spacer in. Then pulled them out and reinstalled with the spacer. After aligning (having the slotted holes loose then holding the break while tightening them they still rub. Should I take of the wheel and try to open them some more?

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by pmortuary

Awesome suggestion thanks very much. I reinstalled the old pds put the spacer in, then with the ole pads in I put a "bit" of pressure with the flathead. Then I installed the new pads with out the spring worked the spacer in. Then pulled them out and reinstalled with the spacer. After aligning (having the slotted holes loose then holding the break while tightening them they still rub. Should I take of the wheel and try to open them some more?

On mine you can feel when piston is all the way in, there will be a definite point where the piston stops moving. If your going to use a screwdriver on the pads I would use the old pads. Also did you reinstall the spring? That could cause the pads not to separate correctly .

[pmortuary]

yeah I only used the driver on the old pads. The new pads came with a new spring that's what I installed.

[Rawhead]

Be sure the pistons are pressed all the way back into the caliper.. if the new pads still drag, I suggest bleeding the system. If you do not have a bleed kit and/or have not bled brakes before, you might want to have a shop do that part for you. If you do attempt to bleed the system for your first time, buy an experienced buddy some beer and have him help/teach you.