Took pads out to clean them - wont go back in

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited December 2014 in MTB workshop & tech
I have a Boardman Comp Hybrid with disc brakes. My usual bike is a Specialised Secteur road bike and I rarely use the Boardman or disc brakes generally. So, I'm not too familiar with cleaning and maintenance.

Following a few Youtube videos I took the pads out to give them a clean but, when putting them back in, the metal clip doesn't seem to be pushing them back into their housing in the calliper properly.

I took the front wheel off to put the bike in the car and trying to get the disc to slot back into the calliper was very hard due to the pads being out of position.

The braking strength is not too bad but something is clearly not how it should be.

Any ideas??

Comments

  • cobba
    cobba Posts: 282
    What is the brake?

    Were the pads contaminated?

    If they weren't you don't need to clean the them.
  • Antm81
    Antm81 Posts: 1,406
    You should be able to push the Pistons back in, remove the pads again then use a tyre lever, gently push the Pistons back n to the caliper, refit pads and wheel, then pump brake to advance the Pistons back to the correct position.
    Trance 27.5 Hoodoo Her Scott Contessa Daughter's Vulcan
  • lpretro1
    lpretro1 Posts: 237
    It's a Boardman so presumbaly an Avid brake - they are notorious for pistons sticking :evil:
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Yes, but from what he says it's just the pistons come out to far and needing easing back.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    I think that might be right - bit puzzled by the metal clip not pushing the pads back into place properly. Could this be because the pistons have come too far out??
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Yes, and it's not what the clip is for, you risk damaging it and having to buy new pads to replace it.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    So push the pistons further back in and clip will be ok?
  • D4V1D
    D4V1D Posts: 233
    I think that he may have knocked the brake lever and pumped the pistons out, the metal clip isn't there to return the pistons back home, my understanding of the metal clip is to simply hold the brake pads off the brake disk and on to the pistons.
    I'm not a racer, but I like to churn out 2-3hr rides,
    I love Cannock and Llandegla cycle parks.
    Cube Acid 2010
    Upgraded RockShox Reba RL Forks, twin air.
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  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    If I push a thin object between the disc and the pad it will push the pads back onto the pistons without any force needed. The pads will rattle between the pistons and the discs so that's what made me think the metal clip is knackered.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    It may be if you tried to push the pads in with it and bent it, but if it's touching the pads both sides it's probably fine.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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