Yep. It's a different procedure for the Brembo's (take it off) than the older style calipers (pull the pins).

 

Yep, this is the key.

Replaced my pads last year and had a hell of a time getting the caliper off until I spread them a little bit. I thought I was losing my mind because they absolutely would not come off.

Give it a shot and I am betting you will have better results.

 

I have replaced my pads twice. Until you push the pistons in a bit, it's tough to get the caliber out to remove the pads. Btw don't forget the anti squeal.

 

Earlier in the thread, a couple of posters were describing the procedure for the 07 and older bikes, where you do not have to remove the caliper to swap pads. Many guys do, anyway, which involves removing the rear wheel in order to dismount the caliper.

Beginning in 08, the operation is much, much simpler. Just pull the caliper body off the mount, and swap out the pads. You don't need to insert a putty knife, just grab the caliper body and rock it back and forth a little. You need to push in the pistons just a little, to retract the brake pads so they will slide past the lip on the outer edge of the rotor. Easy peasy.

 

The part about removing the master cylinder cap applies to those who add fluid to the system as the pads wear and the level lowers in the master cylinder. My bike had close to 17,000 miles on it when I replaced the rears for the first time. Since I had not added any fluid I didn't remove the cap until after I had installed the new pads and pumped the pedal to set the caliper pistons where they belong. Checked fluid level after completing the install and it was right where it should have been, no fluid needed.

 

Bookmark....................

 

As suggested pushing the cylinders back in the bore yields just enough room to get the caliper off. I didn't have anti squeal so I assembled without it. Everything works good and no squealing............yet

Thanks!

 

What is anti-squeal? Does it have another name? Is it at the HD dealership? What do you put it on? HELP!

 

Anti squeak spray or liquid is available at any auto part store but not sure if bike needs it though.

 

Ditto this from acchd.