Total Motorcycle Community Forums

2007 Virago 250

Hi All,

To remove the front wheel, the manual doesn't mention removing the brake caliper. Should I follow the manual or go ahead and remove the caliper first?

On my bike its unnecessary. I did open the brake bleader and spread the pads just a little to get it back on.

Pete

On some bikes you have to remove the caliper because otherwise the tire won't fit out. I suggest just trying to take the wheel off first, and if it won't fit, take off the caliper too. Not very hard to do or time consuming. But don't let the caliper hang by it's hose. Hang it by a cable or a bungee cord from the handlebars.

Thank you for the tip on supporting the brake caliper and on bleeding the brake a bit to separate the pads if needed.

Make sure nobody squeezes the brake lever either.

HYPERR wrote:Make sure nobody squeezes the brake lever either.

+1. Whenever I take a wheel off I always remove the brake lever first just to be sure. Very quick 2 minute task that can save you plenty of time later.

Thats a very good idea. I should even working alone.

Thanks
Pete

Just stuff some folded cardboard into the space where the disk goes to keep the pads apart. Saves the need to bleed later...

Or if you can use a screwdriver or something in that category that won't damage the pads to pry them apart.

I'm wincing with the idea that prying pads apart with a screw driver won't hurt them. I'd suggest removing the pads if you get in that circumstance and use a caliper spreader. In a pinch a C clamp can be made to work.