Problem installing new brake pads

Resin42

Embarrassingly noobish question here but I'm attempting to install my first set of replacement pads on my Tektro Augira Comps (front) and I'm losing my patience. I can get the pads in ok but there's no room for the disc. I've googled until my fingers are sore but can't find anything vaguely helpful.

Brilliantly enough the manual says, after bedding in the pads may need to be adjusted, then doesn't tell you how to adjust them.

Any help greatly appreciated.

saracen fan

I have these brakes, sounds like you need to push the pistons back, to do that gently use a screwdriver (flat) and put it between the pads and lever GENTLY each way.
make sure you dont pull the brake lever when the caliper is not attached,

you will prob need to re-center the caliper as well.....

Resin42

Erm, the lever might already have been pulled. Am I screwed?

saracen fan

no your not screwed you just have pushed the pistons out further than they usually go, so just have to gently push them back in with a screwdriver. the disk and pads stop the pistons pushing out so far.

So put you pads in the caliper, put a screwdriver inbetween them, and gently prise back, you will see the distance between them get bigger.

then the disk will fit between them.

Once you have bolted the caliper back on, leave the bolts a little bit loose, pump the lever 5 times, and whilst still holding the lever on, tighten the bolts fully. this will centralise the caliper and stop the disk rubbing (assuming its true)

joshtp

put a thin but broad bladed screw driver between the pads and gently prise them apart, being carful not to dameag the pad surface.

Resin42

Job done, thanks a lot folks.

cunning-stunt

Better to push them back with a small ring spanner with pads removed to avoid the risk of cracking the pads.

mmacavity

Var FR-29800 brake tool
Page 39
http://www.vartools.com/catalogue_var.pdf

lump of plastic

prowbiker

I find a good old plastic tyre lever does the job nicely

JimboM

I know it's a bit late, but when you need to replace them next time, remove the old pads, give the caliper a good clean and then replace the old pads before you use the screwdriver to push the pistons back in - that way you don't have to worry about damaging the pad surface.

HTH

Jim