Disc brakes stuck after bike sitting idle for long time

fonsde
fonsde Posts: 14
edited August 2018 in Workshop
My hydraulic disc brakes are stuck after long time of inactivity.

The bike is a Boardman pro. I remove the disk pads and tried to push the pistons in but they dont seem to move much.
Is there a way to release pressure?

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    They don't need to move much. Take the pads out and lube the bit of pistons you can see with some brake fluid (mineral oil or DOT depending on type of brakes.

    Push the lever a little to make them move (not too far or you might pop the pistons out) then gently push the pistons back (use something to lever them). Repeat as required until they move freely.
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  • fonsde
    fonsde Posts: 14
    thanks.

    I can see the pistons move, but apparently not enough.

    You think bleeding them will fix my problem?
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Has someone put too much brake fluid in. If they have gap between the pads will be smaller than it needs to be.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Bleeding probably not, as that gets rid of air, which is compressible. Replacing fluid maybe if it's DOT as that absorbs water, which is not compressible.
    If they worked before it won't be too much fluid.
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  • grenw
    grenw Posts: 803
    Happens on my mtb if I've not used it for a while. Removing a bit of fluid sorts it