rmagda58

I just purchased a new bike with Juicy Seven hydraulic disc brakes. I wasn't aware that I should not pull the brake lever without the tire in place. Now the brake's jammed. Is this fixable? Thanks.

dirtbikedude

+1 on Pete's suggestion but if you are not careful you will need new pads.

DBD

rmagda58

And if that doesn't work?

rmagda58

I'm fairly certain at some point you had to learn something through error. I asked a simple question. If you don't have an answer, read on.

redmonster

I'm fairly certain that he has already answered your question. If you were not going to take is advice why ask?

rmagda58

Fair enough. I'll try the screwdriver again. I didn't want to pry too hard before asking people with experience fixing this type of problem. I haven't done long-term damage to the brakes, have I?

dirtbikedude

Were the pads in the caliper? If not then there is the possibility that the piston is tweaked one way or another because it moved out to far. Be sure the piston(s) are straight because you should be able to pry the pads apart with a screwdriver unless the piston(s) is jammed.

If none o that helps then go to the shop.

DBD

dirtbikedude

As I said, you may need to get new pads because the screwdriver may tear the pads up.

DBD

rmagda58

Perhaps that's the problem. I don't feel comfortable prying any harder, and the pads haven't budged a bit. I'm off to the shop. Thanks for the tips.

jimblairo

Get a set of plastic inserts that you stick into the brake mechanism when you have the wheel off.

deraltekluge

Just for fun, read the argument on this thread: n00b questions

kenhill3

Thanks. Really WAS fun! No need to guess who I was laughing at.

mx_599

you broke it already!!

mx_599

they might not be salvageable. try some of the new hope brakes.

mx_599

it doesn't sound like you gave it much effort. you should really try to do this on your own. it is not likely that any damage will happen to pads. who cares if you nick up the pad a little on the edge?

BFG

Im sorry, but i couldnt help laughing.
Because i did the same thing with my hydros the first night i got the bike home. There was even a desperate thread like this one.

But mx is right, screwdriver wont do much damage. I bled mine after though, but its in no means necessary.

kenhill3

I'm laughing, too, 'cause I did it also. It's a rite of passage from V's to discs.

bac

Now for the REAL solution.

Use the closed end of a box-end wrench.



It gives a great angle, and there is less chance of doing damage to your brakes. Also, REMOVE the pads before you do this to avoid damaging them. If you can't get the pistons back using this method, you'll need to bleed the brakes.

Good luck!

... Brad

mx_599

if it is really tight, just use a small flathead followed by a larger one. try to use a twisting motion initially rather than a prying one until they start to spread.

no need to remove pads. mountain molehill

apclassic9

and, for future reference, if you're going to do this kind of stuff in the living room, put an old sheet down over the carpet.........

BFG

Haha, didnt go from V's to discs - i went from cables to hydros

DirtPedalerB

The manual usually says to try to use cards to get between the pads, but who reads those.

jimblairo

[QUOTE=deraltekluge;5646143]Just for fun, read the argument on this thread:

Wow, those dudes are serious! I knew that the pistons did not "fall out" but I find it easier to use the plastic shim than to mess around with a screw driver or knife, neither of which I carry with me.

mx_599

huh?? like playing cards?

i always read them.

this thread should have been closed after the first photo of a screwdriver was posted. that is all that is necessary

pinkrobe

I used the handle end of a chain whip after starting off with a screwdriver. Oh, and if the pads are out, be careful with the screwdriver, as the Avid pistons are made of a fairly brittle plastic. AMHIK.