How do I separate bicycle disc brake when they contact each other while the wheels are off?

Question

I took off the wheel with the rotor of my bicycle and I accidentally pulled on the brake lever, resulting in the disc brakes clamping and now I can't put back my wheels.

Answer 1

Depending on the model of brake you can probably just push them apart again. Emptying the brake lines of fluid won't fix the problem as it's not fluid pressure which stops them from moving back - it's the friction in the slave pistons (there's one behind each pad). Use something soft like a plastic tyre lever, not something metal which will damage the pads.

Or take the bike to a dealer, as long as it's not a Trek dealer from Florida.

Answer 2

You loosen the nut that connects the cable to the brake unit to allow the cable to slacken and that should allow them to come apart.

Answer 3

you should be able to prise them apart with a screwdriver or sumthing similar just be careful not to damabe the pads.

Answer 4

if you have hydraulic disc brakes then you have to flush the brake hoses and refill them. but you have to do it properly and its a mess and you can really s***w something up. im a mechanic at a trek shop here in florida and trust me, its a mess. i'd recommend taking it to a local dealer and having them do it for you. it'll cost you, but its the only way you're going to get your brakes working again. and next time, use the little plastic piece that came with your bike to stick in between the pads whenever you take your wheel out.