KDeline Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Trying to replace the front brake pads on a 13 year old RTP, the piston are very hard to retract back into the caliper. Can I use a lube like WD40 and not hurt the seals? Or can I just use a light coating of engine oil on the pistons? I bled the brakes last march and had a real hard time getting the pistons to retract then also. Any other ideas? Link to comment
Selden Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Brake fluid should be fully compatible with the seals. Use the old pads and a couple of C clamps to push the pistons back in -- slow and steady. Link to comment
Pro_Marinero Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Probably already did it but make sure you spray the crud off of the pistons with some brake cleaner to avoid jamming it back in the seals. Link to comment
DavidEBSmith Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Something like this? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/CRC0/05352.oap?pt=N0448&ppt=C0069 Link to comment
SKYGZR Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Hose on bleeder nipple, open nipple, will push back with little effort. Link to comment
AndyS Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Can I use a lube like WD40 and not hurt the seals? Or can I just use a light coating of engine oil on the pistons? Any other ideas? Don't Use WD40 or engine oil. Go with the suggestions above. Clean with fluid then completely remove said stuff, and then lighty lube with brake grease. Andy Link to comment
big-t Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 We have used Raybestos Assembly fluid for years,but its hard to find anymore.I would use brake fluid and then wipe off any excess after the piston is pushed back. DON'T......use any type of oil as most of it will swell the seals until they are unusable. Link to comment
cali_beemer Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Something like this? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/CRC0/05352.oap?pt=N0448&ppt=C0069 I thought the brake grease was oly for the slider pins. Couldnt the grease contaminate the brake fluid? Link to comment
notacop Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 How about brake fluid? Once the area is clean rub brake fluid on it. I've done that in the past with Disk assys and old time brakes on cars. That grease stuff is for the back of the puck to keep it from squealing, a trait I personally find appealing. Link to comment
NonComp Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 I thought the brake grease was oly for the slider pins. Couldnt the grease contaminate the brake fluid?+1 use brake cleaner and brake fluid only. Link to comment
John Dickens Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Silicone grease is OK too. Link to comment
philbytx Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Yes! Do NOT mix ANYTHING with brake fluid. Just clean the piston and, when replacing seals, just use brake fluid for assembly Silicone grease is for external components such as pins, sliders etc. Link to comment
KDeline Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Blake fluid, Duh! Can't see it two feet in front of me..... Thanks guys. Link to comment
Green RT Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 You really shouldn't need any lubricant. Just apply steady pressure and wait, they will slowly retract. I put a big screwdriver or small crowbar between the pads or pad and disk and then twist the handle to apply pressure and just wait a few seconds. Link to comment
philbytx Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 On a Japanese bike maybe...."blake fruid" Link to comment
SKYGZR Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 You really shouldn't need any lubricant. Just apply steady pressure and wait, they will slowly retract. I put a big screwdriver or small crowbar between the pads or pad and disk and then twist the handle to apply pressure and just wait a few seconds. This procedure will gouge/mar the pads. Once again, hose on bleeder nipple, open nipple, retract pads by either pushing against disk (if mounted on machine), or with a plastic paddle (handle from an old spatula works great). AVOID any type of potentially damaging (metal/steel) prying device. Link to comment
NonComp Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Once the caliper is loose, you can usually just twist it with your hand while it still straddles the rotor, to push the pistons back. Link to comment
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