Hi there, i removed the front wheel of my bike for paint (83 virago 500). I didnt know i should have put something in the pads upon removal.I tried to get the front wheel back on with no success. the manual says i have to bleed the system and possibly rebuild the caliper.Will bleeding the system relieve the pressure and allow the piston to move freely, therefore allowing the pads to seperate and allow me to reinstall the wheel?Please help, (first timer obviously)thanks!
try answer number one just be sure pistons go in straight do not force them
Most times you can pop off the reservoir cap and gently force the calipers back into position, being careful not to pry too hard or too fast so as to keep the fluid from bubbling out of the reservoir.
Hey, its me peetacheeta/Pete I didnt know how to respond to the questions so i used a friends account I have the reservior off, and tried bleeding the brakes. There is only one large piston behind the pads. I cannot pry the pads open or anything with the reservior off how can i reset the piston so i can open the pads and slide the wheel/ disc brake back into the pads? thanks again
I have worked on Viragos and with the age of you 500, may I suggest an overhaul of the caliper. The reason the piston is stuck is because of all the gunk on the orings. Pump the piston out of the caliper and clean all the corrosion on the canals holding the orings. I use dental probes to scrape off the gunk. Use soap and water to wash. On assembly use new break fluid for lubrication. You will notice that the piston moves easier after the overhaul.
Provided okorder /__?_from=R40... A shop manual will save you lots of time and confusion. EDIT: Yes, the piston will stay in place. As long as you do not give the brake lever a squeeze. It should not take that much pressure to push them back in. Do not put the clamp on the brake pad, as it may become warped. Remove the pad first. A piece of steel or block of wood are advised to keep from damaging the piston. Old discarded brake pad backers are best. But since you are working on the brakes, have a look at the pads. See if they are in specs. And if the brake fluid is brown, it may be time to just replace it anyway. Use the add details button on the bottom of the question.
