New Disc Pads

[RCOH]

Thanks to the FARKIN review (& the cheapness!!) i just purchased some A2Z Hayes disc pads as my old ones are almost on the metal.

Upon installation I found that there was not enough clearance between the pads to allow the rotor to fit.

Does this mean i have to re-bleed brakes, or can i try and spread the pads apart using the blade of a small screwdriver. (i am aware that this method is not recommended, but sometimes it seems to work.)

Thanks in advance
Rod :)

[danield]

Rod,

Grab a spanner, put it where the pads go, (while the pads aren't in the caliper) ensure that the spanner is not touching the pins in the middle (you dont wanna bend them). Then pry open.

This is not a recommended method, as you really should bleed your brakes. But hey I've done it pleanty of times.

Good luck!!!

[Cave Dweller]

It depends on your brakes.

Hayes say it's ok to push the pistons back in, shimano say to rebleed only. Not sure about anything else.

[jasco]

yeah, push the pistons back in with pretty much anything you got handy. Provided:
1) You don't push on the pins in the middle
2) Use something that is sharp
3) Push then in straight (although it is hard to get them to jam it is possible if enough force is applied at the wrong angle)

I use to have to do it all the time when I transport my AC and the brake lever would get pressed somewhere on the trip, the best thing I found to do it was a plastic tire lever

[RaID]

what i did is either use the old pads or put only one of the new ones in
and the get a largish flat screw driver and push the piston back
then after you get it apart
put one of those hayes pad spacers in over night or something with that thickness, so the pads stay apart

[fatkat]

I just pryed my hayes pistons back with a screwdriver.... worked fine, not spongy nothing, exactly the same as it was before
but if you want to be pedantic (spelling?) re-bleed your brakes.