Anybody have any tips for getting brake pistons to retreat properly? I’m replacing the pads on a set of Elixirs that were fantastically worn down, so obviously the pistons need to be pushed back in. The front worked all right; but no matter how much I try the screwdriver trick I can’t get the rear caliper wide enough. I’m all for getting a better workout thanks to a little brake rub, but I can’t even get my rear wheel in.
Also, if anybody needs last minute parts for this weekend, I’m making a run to cycle neron after KOM tomorrow. Pro tip: when you notice that the seals on your pedals have come loose, deal with it before you race for a whole weekend in two inches of mud and constant rain.
Have you bled your brakes at any point with the worn pads? It’s possible you might have a touch excess fluid, even if not they can be a bitch to open.
Try a bit more elbow grease (you can wail pretty hard as long as there is a worn pad or similar intermediate between the driver head and the piston). Otherwise open the bleed valve at the lever just a wee little crack and try to push them back again. Hopefully you wont need to re-bleed after that.
I was having the same problem and ended up using my plastic pad spacer to retreat the pistons. My rear brake does not seem to be close to as powerful as before and the brake lever feels loose. Does this mean I need to bleed the brakes as well?
Did any fluid leak out when you forced the piston back? If the pad is worn in (like <100 solid stops) and you’re having issues I’d re-bleed, if the piston is leaking you might have a damaged seal.