front wheel refitting
 

Hello,

I just removed my front wheel and changed tyres. Now when I try to refit my wheel, I can't get the front disc brake to fit in the front brake (caliper? I don't know the correct word) The brake disc is too wide. Swearing and cursing doesn't seem to help. S.O.S.

As pressure was released the brake pads moved. Wrap a cloth round the master cylinder, take the lid off the reservoir then push the pads back. It's better to do it by hand as you don't want to damage the brake material. Failing that, take the pads out (this is a good chance to grease the pins) and push the cylinders back. If they are really bad you can buy screw driven jacks to do it, two plates that go in the gap and are pulled apart by the screw. Next time you change brake pads, save the old ones so you have a pair you can use a screwdriver to push back and make yourself a wood or steel spacer to hold the pads apart while you have the wheel off.

Once it's all back together pump the lever a few times, it'll take a few full length pulls to get the pads back touching the disk.

Andy

Take the caliper off, fit the wheel then slide it on !!

This usually works. It always easier to fit a caliper onto a disc than a disc into a caliper.

If you cant manipulate the caliper back onto the discs, like bonnie says, just prise open the pads with a screwdriver (careful not to gouge chunks out the pad material) until you get started.

As long as you haven't pumped the lever while the wheel was off, they don't usually need pressing back in too far.

Don't worry if its a little tight going on, it will settle itself out after a few miles of riding....

Thanks a lot, it's back on.