Bicycle Mechanics - Front wheel removal with discs.

Just wondering. If you remove a wheel with a disk rotor, and then apply the brake, will anything pop out from the calipers or get misaligned? Can't see this being a problem but I could perhaps see a problem with the disk pads?

With hydraulic systems, it can be a problem. I have a Shimano hydraulic front brake and it comes with an orange plastic spacer that is intended to take the place of the rotor when the wheel's off.

Like MechBgon said, some types do, some types don`t.
But i won`t take the risk, if your brakepads pop out, you have to fill the system again!

Leave the levers alone if you`re not sure,

cheers :beer:

Originally posted by toolfreak
if your brakepads pop out, you have to fill the system again!

Really?

I found some useful maintenance info on the Magura website. When I get the bike today, I've got this wheel removal issue written down to discuss with the lbs. Thanks for the feedback guys.

do not hit the levers when the rotor is not in. you will either unalign the pads or they will fall out and take oil with it

The lbs said pretty much the same. They said rather than take the risk of having misaligned pads or having them pop out, fill the gap where the rotor was with a piece of cardboard. Chap also explained that the likely problem is that the pads might be ok, but you'd have to force them apart to get the rotor back inbetween. Main point, is err on the side of caution and assume the worst will happen.

It depends if you have an open system or closed system of hydraulics. In a closed system you PROBABLY can not pop out the pistons. In an open system, with a reservoir, one pump will PROBABLY not pop out the piston, ( in fact this is how you adjust this type if it starts getting "mushy"), two pumps will blow out your pistons though. Always put in a spacer when the wheel is off if there is a CHANCE someone can squeeze it.

Agreed!:)