What's the trick to removing rear caliper?

[wmh9680]

Good evening, I am trying to drop the rear caliper on my 2014 RT LTD. It is only 2 bolts and I can get to the rear one easy. The front one is behind the exhaust and I can only get on it with a knuckle on my ratchet with a 16mm socket. It's hard to get leverage that way. The videos I watched show a straight shot to get to it. All I think I need to remove is the 2 bolts and it should drop. I want to ck my pads and blow them out. I thought about dropping the exhaust. It looks like 3 bolts to do this but I was wondering if this would be smart to do, would I need new gaskets or anything else? Did my 1st oil change today. It was pretty easy and no leaks so far. Thanks, Mike

 

[AeroPilot]

I dont remember dropping the exhaust to get to that caliper bolt

Hey WH, When I replaced the rear pads on my 15 RT, seems I just jacked up the rear of the frame a little, and that gave clearance once the

muffler was high enough to get a straight shot at the caliper bolts. Dont recall a problem then except remember to grab the little wire clip off of the

pin that holds the pads in before you back out the pin, or you'll bugger up the pin and clip a little....:banghead:

With the pads out you should be able to clean and inspect with a pan and some soapy water and a bristle brush to clean up the piston rubber, etc. Just DONT step on the brake while the caliper is out or you'll have a little more work getting it back retracted..

 

[BajaRon]

Yes, save yourself a lot of trouble and just jack the rear of the Spyder up. The swing arm will drop and give you that straight shot that you are looking for. :thumbup:

 

[wmh9680]

Thanks, so I jack it up right under the shock bolt, right? There has been conflicting ideas on the forum whether you shoul lift from there. Thanks, Mike.

 

[jcthorne]

Thanks, so I jack it up right under the shock bolt, right? There has been conflicting ideas on the forum whether you shoul lift from there. Thanks, Mike.

No, you jack it up at the tail of the frame. Do not jack at the shock bolt. When you bend that bolt its a BITCH to get out.

 

[wmh9680]

No, you jack it up at the tail of the frame. Do not jack at the shock bolt. When you bend that bolt its a BITCH to get out.

By the tail of the frame do you mean by the springs for the exhaust right? Thanks, Mike

 

[jcthorne]

The frame is the black rectangular section down the middle. Ends just ahead of the primary muffler.

 

[wmh9680]

The frame is the black rectangular section down the middle. Ends just ahead of the primary muffler.

Thanks, I did put her on the lift but did not ck the bolts before I put my stands under the tires and lowered her down onto the stands. Without the stands under the tires I can get to the bolt fine. I was just wary of messing with the bike before I had her on the stands. Solution was right in front of my eyes, I just was not seeing it. Thanks, Mike

 

[BajaRon]

I know it has been said. But it is VERY IMPORTANT NOT to jack at the rear shock bolt. Very tempting, I know. But DON'T DO IT!

 

[wmh9680]

Thanks everyone, I had her up and got on the bolt okay just to see, not enuf time today to go further. Man those bolts are tight, gonna get a 6 sides socket so I dn strip them.

 

[BajaRon]

Thanks everyone, I had her up and got on the bolt okay just to see, not enuf time today to go further. Man those bolts are tight, gonna get a 6 sides socket so I dn strip them.

Very good idea. Get a set of impact sockets at Harbor Freight, or similar. They will save you some heartache. You can also use an air or electric impact wrench to get them off if you have one. Just be sure to install them by hand and not with a power tool. Same with wheel lug nuts. Taking them off with an impact is fine. But install and torque them evenly by hand.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Thanks everyone, I had her up and got on the bolt okay just to see, not enuf time today to go further. Man those bolts are tight, gonna get a 6 sides socket so I dn strip them.

One of them may have a washer between the caliper and swing arm. Watch for it so you can put it back if it is there.

 

[wmh9680]

should/do I have to remove the parking brake to remove the caliper?

 

[Papahoosh]

I am also trying to remove the caliper. Are these the two bolts needs to removed?
I am trying to replace the rear tire.

 

[wmh9680]

I am also trying to remove the caliper. Are these the two bolts needs to removed? View attachment 164274
I am trying to replace the rear tire.

yes mine are 5/8 or 16mm i'm looking for a 6pt socket so I dn strip them, they are very tight

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

should/do I have to remove the parking brake to remove the caliper?

No.