Topic: Front Brake Pads - '78 CB750K

[vistirus]

I can't get the "A" pad (the one on the outside, where the brake bleeder is) free. The other side had a cotter pin holding it.  This one appears to be held by a split pin. Try as I might,  neither the pad or the pin will budge.  I think the piston in the caliper might be frozen. Any suggestions on how to free this would be greatly appreciated.

I was thrilled to get the bike running, but I thought eventually I would probably need it to stop as well.

Thanks!!

[theofam]

Stopping is always good!  I've used a method on both my 550 and 750 to free them.  Stick a rubber-tipped blow gun driven by an air compressor into the brake fluid feed hole.  Get a good seal and pull the trigger!

CAUTION:  This method will do massive damage to drywall, you personally, the fluorescent on your garage ceiling, etc.  So, I learned my second time around to lay a few blankets on the workbench and hold the piston against them as you apply the air pressure.  Otherwise, you'll have a lethal alternative to a potato cannon.

[Shane72]

Hey there,

Yours is the exact year and model of my first road bike, back in the '80's--loved it!

I've always had luck getting the caliper piston-side pad to let loose by just pumping it out while removed from the rotor carriage.  Assuming there's fluid in it and the pad is just corroded in there around the edges, you should be able to just pump it out, letting the piston do the work.

If it's that frozen up, you're going to want to do this anyway to clean out the caliper, piston, and seal before putting it into service.  If left in it's current condition (even if you get the pad out by itself) there's every likelihood that when you apply the brake, it probably won't release properly.

Have fun, and good luck,

Shane

[70CB750]

Take it of, open the bleeder and plug the brake hose. Put a grease gun on the bleeder and pump. It will come out with minimum effort.

[mrrch]

Be careful, the grease gun threads will only go on 1 maybe 2 threads (different threads)

[70CB750]

I use the bleeder as zerk, it works.