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I replaced both sets of brake pads less than 2000 miles ago. The front ones seem to be doing okay, but the rear inner pad (closer to the wheel, farther from the brake piston) is completely out of material and the base of the pad has started scratching the disk.
When I replaced them, the front calipers were easy to pry open all the way by hand, pop in the new pads, and reinstall. The rear ones took more effort and I just couldn't get it to open quite all the way. I tried over and over with my bare hands and then a screwdriver to lever them open but it never got all the way there. When I installed them, it took a bit of grunting to get the caliper back into place because the inside pad was pushing against the disk. I stupidly assumed that once some of the material had worn away, it would stop rubbing and the problem would sort itself out. At first it was a bit hard to walk the bike unpowered due to the friction, but after a while it became easier, so I stopped worrying about it.
Then this week I noticed that my rear brakes were making funny sounds and feeling a bit wooden. I took a look at them and found the outer pad still had a lot of material left but the inner one is completely worn down. Went out yesterday (avoiding using the rear brake as much as possible) and picked up some new pads, but haven't installed them yet.
What should I try this time to ensure that the calipers are able to open all the way this time? Do I need to open the valve and let some brake fluid escape while prying it open? Would cleaning it help? Should I go out and buy a brake caliper spreader? What should I do differently this time around?
Thanks.
When I replaced them, the front calipers were easy to pry open all the way by hand, pop in the new pads, and reinstall. The rear ones took more effort and I just couldn't get it to open quite all the way. I tried over and over with my bare hands and then a screwdriver to lever them open but it never got all the way there. When I installed them, it took a bit of grunting to get the caliper back into place because the inside pad was pushing against the disk. I stupidly assumed that once some of the material had worn away, it would stop rubbing and the problem would sort itself out. At first it was a bit hard to walk the bike unpowered due to the friction, but after a while it became easier, so I stopped worrying about it.
Then this week I noticed that my rear brakes were making funny sounds and feeling a bit wooden. I took a look at them and found the outer pad still had a lot of material left but the inner one is completely worn down. Went out yesterday (avoiding using the rear brake as much as possible) and picked up some new pads, but haven't installed them yet.
What should I try this time to ensure that the calipers are able to open all the way this time? Do I need to open the valve and let some brake fluid escape while prying it open? Would cleaning it help? Should I go out and buy a brake caliper spreader? What should I do differently this time around?
Thanks.