I haven't removed the front or rear wheels on my ST yet. I'm sure there is a thread addressing this issue, can someone direct me to it. I have look some on this site, but could not find it. Thanks for any help I get. :bow1:
I do it mainly because it is habit, to avoid tension on the ABS wires and to get them out of the way. I have heard that it is hard on the brake lines to let them hang, but have seen nothing from a credible source.At the risk of setting off a firestorm ......
Many times I seen the advice "to support the brake calipers with wire whenever they are removed" for tire changes. I have usually followed the advice, too. But, I have to question why this practice is recommended. So, I'm asking:
- What harm can come from a caliper hanging it's rather insignificant weight on its hydraulic hose?
- Is the hose that is designed to withstand and transmit considerable hydraulic pressure incapable of supporting the weight of a caliper?
I will grant that the practice of supporting the caliper with a stiff wire or bungee isn't harmful. But is it necessary? Is it just to keep the caliper from dangling into a position where it could be damaged by something else during the tire swap?
I've read in various car shop manuals that letting the caliper hang can damage the hose. Manufacturer's instructions. I would infer from this that the hose is designed to withstand pressures from within, but not necessarily tension on the hose itself - especially the end fittings.At the risk of setting off a firestorm ......
Many times I seen the advice "to support the brake calipers with wire whenever they are removed" for tire changes. I have usually followed the advice, too. But, I have to question why this practice is recommended. So, I'm asking:
- What harm can come from a caliper hanging it's rather insignificant weight on its hydraulic hose?
- Is the hose that is designed to withstand and transmit considerable hydraulic pressure incapable of supporting the weight of a caliper?
I will grant that the practice of supporting the caliper with a stiff wire or bungee isn't harmful. But is it necessary? Is it just to keep the caliper from dangling into a position where it could be damaged by something else during the tire swap?
The Honda service manual explicitly states "support the brake calipers with wire whenever they are removed" (or words to that effect) - I don't know why Honda put that warning in the manual, but I can only assume they had a good reason to do so.I have heard that it is hard on the brake lines to let them hang, but have seen nothing from a credible source.
Now THAT is a good idea!I always push two small pieces of wood (slightly thicker than the rotor) between the brake pads as each caliper (left and right) is slid out and freed from their mounting points.
This keeps them spread while you do the rest of the work you plan to do and once you are ready to slip the calipers back to their respective mount points pull the wood chips and they will slip in with ease. My wood sticks are about an inch and a half wide by three inches long. I wrap them in foil tape and mark them so i'm reminded they are a tool.
...My wood sticks are about an inch and a half wide by three inches long.
Every shop service manual that I've seen for autos or bikes says to support the calipers independently of the hoses. Now, this is not an exhaustive survey, limited to Saab, Ford, Toyota, Honda, M Guzzi, GMC, and only one or two models in each, but consider something. Our lives can depend on the brakes stopping the bike (car) in a hurry under some circumstances. It makes sense to take all possible precautions to prevent damage to a part (the hose and its connections) that might fail due to minor abuse.At the risk of setting off a firestorm ......