I'm having a real tough time getting the calipers to retract enough to replace the pads, let alone squeeze a rotor in there. Does anyone have any tips to make this process go a little smoother? 
Hayes hydro brake pad relpacement issue
- Thread starter BigStonz
- Start date
sounds like you dont have the plastic wedge that came with the brakes, if you dont and you are going to replace the pads then using a nice large flat blade screw driver should allow you to pry them appart. if it is still very difficult, pry a little from the bottom move to the front then to the back of the caliper until they move. if you have time go to you LBS and get a hayes wedge, it will be alot easier and you can use it when transporting the bike, so you wont pump the pistons out.
Put the old pads back in and use a flat blade screwdriver to push the pistons back into their bores. Those pads will be destroyed in the process so if you want to keep them as spares try and get a box end 10mm wrench in the gap such that the wrench opening is around the pin which holds the pad and is flush with the piston and push each piston back into its bore separately. The key thing to remeber, well a couple things, is to try and push the pistons in square and not cockeyed, and the pistons are cast and a bit brittle so be some what gentle and watch that you don't snap the pins. Lat time I replaced a set of pistons, they had some chips out of the outer edge which I assume was because I wasn't as gentle as I should have been or they chipped when pushed in a bit crooked.
Yep.oldfart said:
I have used the box end wrench before with little issue....just be gentle.