Don't laugh guys, but I'm not good with brakes either on cars or ATC's. I have a 86 ATC 250R that is in great condition, but I noticed I needed to change the rear disc pads. I took out the pads, but can't get new ones in because the caliper pistons are pushing too far out. I can't push them in by hand. Is there a secret to getting those pistons to retract a bit so I can shove the pads in?

I know in the automotive industry a tool is sometimes used for them to compress them. I was surprised that I couldn't push these little tiny suckers in by hand [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Thanks so much.

- Daniel

 

a big screw driver dude.. and some elbow grease.. Dont be afraid to get nasty with her.

 

DevilMan,

I'll work on it this weekend, thanks! By the way, if all else fails, is it OK to loosen the bleeder screw? Thx

 

Oh yeah.. just rebleed and check fluids when your done.

 

You can use a c-clamp or channel locks to push the piston back in. You may have to loosen the bleeder screw to do it, but it should go in if it isn't frozen.

 

seems like it would go back in easy. loosen reservoir cap and push it in slowly.

 

They finally pushed in just about all the way, but then I attempted one more push, and broke a hold through one of the end caps that fits in the end groove of the caliper's piston. They look are about the size of a quarter, and I thought they were metal, but are apparently made out of asbestos and (thin metal?). Now I gotta try to track that down. I bet I'm screwed for there, cause someone told me that I have to buy the whole piston in order to get the little end insert. Oh well, no riding this weekend. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

who says you need rear brakes?? I took mine off a few months back.

 

don't worry about the caps, I am missing all the caps on mine, and only one piston works, but the Rear brake works fine.

 

I changed the pads but can't get the brakes to bleed. The front brakes work of course, but the rear brake pedal goes all the way down with no resistance at all. When changing the brakes I opened the bleeder screw to make the pistons easier to push in.

I read about having a person push down on the pedal, and then crack the bleeder, and close it up, and then release the brake. I did that and it shot out air and brake fluid a couple of times, but the pedal never stiffened up. I did it probably 10-15 times and nothing changed. The master cylinder has plenty of fluid also.

I feel real stupid about now. Gee Whiz. Any ideas anyone? Thx so much.