I am putting new pads on the front brakes of my ZRX1100. Got the new pads on one side but having little trouble with the second side pads. The calipers have 6 pistons, 3 on each side. I can get 3 on one side to retract far enough back but not on the other side far enough for new pads.Do I need to open bleeder valve on the caliper I am having problem with, or remove some brake fluid from reservoir on handlebars.
Go to your local auto parts store and get a caliper spreader they are about 10 bucks and worth it.
Your on the right track, assuming its been topped up in the past, pushing the calipers back will push the fluid back. You need to remove a small amount of fluid some how. Roll a piece of kitchen roll up and soak up fluid in the master cylinder. As you say, you could use the bleed valve, if you wanted to drain /renew the brake fluid while your at it.
The manufacturer makes the fluid resevour so that it will have just enough to operate the brakes from new to old without the need to add any fluid. So, unless you or someone else has added fluid you will not need to remove any. Instead, you will need a caliper spreader like the other poster has mentioned. Should be an easy job.
