newbie question im afraid

[timwilks13]

how on earth do i get the front calipers off? i have removed the two big bolts that hold the whole assembley on, then used water pump pliers to push the piston back in, but it doesnt seem to want to go in. The pads are currently stuck on solid so i cant slide everything up and over the disk!?

[windsor]

Hit it with a lump of wood and a big hammer

[timwilks13]

worked a treat thanks! i was planning on but needed someone to confirm that as an acceptable method !

[dan_2k_uk]

Hammers are always acceptable!

[windsor]

If in doubt just remeber wd 40 gaffer and hammers are allways exeptable just dont use wd on ya brakes lol

[suzukisteve]

I believe the correct phrase is "if in doubt, give it a clout!"

[twiss]

I usually use a couple of large flathead screwdrivers to lever them off...

[timwilks13]

the biggest issue was the pads were stuck on so couldn't get them over the lip of the disc so just used water pump pliers to open the pads and a pry bar and hammer to get em off!

[ScottieJ]

If just servicing the brakes, changing pads etc I just remove the small bolts on the sliders, then the caliper comes off without the pads

I really disagree about the use of a hammer when it comes to brake callipers!!!!! You need to push the piston back in carefully and square to avoid damaging the piston or seal, some big pipe grips or a pry bar will do the job if you haven't got a proper piston winding tool.

[twiss]

Ohhh yeah scottie is right, usually its the slider bolts for me, then use screwdrivers to prize up the caliper if its a bit tight.
If you get a caliper winding tool (which are well handy) make sure you check you have the correct socket/spanner to use with it