Hey all, I'm in the middle of changing the pads on the front of my 09 RKC. Problem is that one or two of the pistons are not retracting on the left caliper. The rear and the front right were just fine; just pried the pads apart and the pistons retracted nice and easy. But one of the pistons on the right is not budging at all. When I squeeze the lever, the piston DOES move out, but I can't get it back in. What do I do guys? Need help, as I need to finish this project in a jiffy.

To explain how I've always done pad changes, I do not drain any fluid form the lines and I do not bleed the system, as I've never got air in the lines by doing it this way.

What does everyone suggest?

Also, if I have to disconnect the caliper from the brake line, will I have to go to the dealer to get them to bleed it because it has ABS? That would really suck.

 

Are you pushing both pistons back in at the same time? You might have some crud build up on the piston? Might try and clean the pistons with some alcohol and a cotton swab.

 

Pistons look to be pretty clean. Used brake cleaner on them.

 

Pump the brake lever till its tight and try it again.

 

I have never had that issue on any motorcycle brake calipers, but I have had it happen twice on automobiles. I never did get the pistons back in. I had to replace the brake calipers. I hope you have better luck.

Dennis

 

Tried that (with an old pad between the pistons), and again the 2 pistons on one side of the caliper retract just fine, but the other side of the caliper does not want to retract. One of the pistons will with force, but the other just won't move at all.

 

put the 2 old pads back in without the rotor.
pump it up....this will extend the pistons a little bit more for cleaning the crud....
then just put screwdriver between old pads and retract them...try that over and over a few times .. worked for me

 

I hate to say it but that caliper is probably gonna have to come off.

 

Get a "C" clamp, and put the piston back into the caliper.

Then test with brake pads as to see if it is sicking. I haven't done the pads on my Harley yet, but old Yamaha's would do this. On some it was a matter of removing the piston, cleaning it, and putting in new parts. Essentially rebuilding the caliper. I have also had air in the lines do this, but sometimes it was just a matter of using a vise i.e. "C" Clamp to get the piston back in after it had extended to far out.

 

I usually use a large C clamp to push the pistons back in.