Help! No brake pressure after pad change.

[VladTepes]

I just had a look at the pic of your bike in the back in black thread.  Do you still have the dual lines off the master?

Yes. Nothing has changed there, Usual set up.

Also have a flat ceiling - nothing to tie anything to. It's a bugger.

[KiwiCol]

Got a ladder?  Lean it against the bike & use that?

[grog]

Vlad, a screw in hook? Take it out and park under clothes line?

[VladTepes]

OK so I tried the above with a shelf and no luck there either.



So I handed it off to RBM Racing at Geebung ( https://www.facebook.com/gaz.rbm/ )

Turns out everything I've done so far is correct - just ineffective because...  the pistons are stuck in the bores.

I did give them a very good clean (and they also weren't rusty) before pushing them back, but it took a lot of force to push them back.
In hindsight too much force. (timber plus c clamps)

Several people already alluded to this being a potential problem as per:

Piston stuck maybe.Seals no good.

RBM is going to disassemble the calipers whack 'em through the ultrasonic cleaner and see where we go from there.

Hopefully I can get away with a good clean and some new seals, might not cost too much $

So it's a bugger I haven't got the bike back yet but its also good to know at least I was doing the usual / suggested things properly.

[KiwiCol]

Cool, glad you're getting it sorted.

(bloody 4 pots! who'd have them!)

[GSXKING]

If all else fails Mike get it to a professional 

[grog]

Vlad, i didnt see you mention c clamps and timber. Fingers only or light force. Anyway, a good result coming. 👍

[VladTepes]

(bloody 4 pots! who'd have them!)

[SA14]

I'm glad the problem was identified (and you're on the path back to great brakes) and wasn't a mysterious thing that no one could solve. I just did my first caliper disassemble, clean and reassemble (not really a "rebuild" because I used all the original seals and o-ring) but can confirm that the pistons should able to be pushed in with medium finger pressure only. If a g-clamp is needed that would have thrown up a red flag for me now that I know but not before. Previously - just like you - I would've considered using some clamping force as normal to push the pistons back in.

Now we know and the good news is that you're going to love your brakes all over again with freely moving pistons if my experience is anything to go by. I wish I was nearby, I would've popped around and we could've pulled them apart, cleaned them up and put them back together again just like I was helped out by an org member. I'd be lost without this forum. Facebook is utterly useless. No accountability. Now, what about your rear brakes? They're next on my list.

[Hooli]

Now, what about your rear brakes? They're next on my list.

Rear brakes are an utter doddle compared to the fronts. Even dry they bleed in no time by just pumping the pedal.

Just remember there are two bleed nipples & you need to use both (one at a time or both together, it doesn't matter).

[SA14]

Good tip, thanks.

[steve porter]

I use one of these on each piston, I need to get another 2 for the 14, they can`t exert a lot of pressure, but enough and they will hold an already pushed back piston in while pushing back the next one to save going back and forth and eliminating the risk of popping one out too far, used this method successfully for years.

[SA14]

I use one of these on each piston, I need to get another 2 for the 14, they can`t exert a lot of pressure, but enough and they will hold an already pushed back piston in while pushing back the next one to save going back and forth and eliminating the risk of popping one out too far, used this method successfully for years.

Looks the perfect size too. Does it overlap so you can do two at once?

[steve porter]

I use one of these on each piston, I need to get another 2 for the 14, they can`t exert a lot of pressure, but enough and they will hold an already pushed back piston in while pushing back the next one to save going back and forth and eliminating the risk of popping one out too far, used this method successfully for years.

Looks the perfect size too. Does it overlap so you can do two at once?

4 at once on 4 pots, as I only have 4 I used them on the outside 4 of 6 and held the middle 2 from moving with a sideways tyre lever, I didn't think about it until I did the 14, but I  will get another 2 next time I'm at Bunnings

[grog]

Looks a good idea Steve.