Modern Vespa

I removed the caliper tonight, but looking at the book I can't see a clear picture of how it goes back on. Are there any good pictures besides the manual?

I got the pieces back together, but I'm having a heck of a time getting that bottom 8 mm hex nut back in. I have a long handle hex wrench from harbor fright, but it is a few inches short for clearance. Any suggestions?

You mean "hex" as in Allen key? How about a hex socket with an ordinary extension?

I have removed the caliper many times for tire and brake pad changes, and have never had any difficulty. Have you tried the suggestion about the shorter handle? If this doesn't work, could you post some pics? I don't recall having any issues, but maybe if I see the pics it will ring a bell.

I'm at work now, but I hope that the whole unit comes off as one. This is the first set of rear brakes that I have replaced on the MP3. Wish me luck.

Mike.
If I weren't in the Bay today, I'd be over to help you. Sorry, but I'm out of position.

Steve

Thanks HB! I think I was trying to do far too many things at one time last night. I can get to the screw if I take the whole unit back off. And thanks ramblerdan, I picked up an 8 mm socket at Lowes last night for more torque.

It was the first time trying this, so there is always a learning curve.

You wore out your rear brakes, how many miles do you have on it? I have 50,000 miles and my rear brakes look fine.

I have 18,000 miles on mine. The handle was going down too far for my liking. I'd rather replace them before they get too far down. If they still don't feel right I'll attempt to do a back flush and see if that helps.

I had lots of pad left, but my handle still feel mushy and goes way too far down for me. Is a bleeding due?

Sounds like air in the lines. Is your brake fluid level good? When did you last change out the brake fluid? And has it been 'mushy' since then?


. . . .

The brake fluid is topped off at the full line, and it has never been changed.

Never changed? Should change it every two years per maintenance requirements, regardless of mileage. And you have 18k on it. Definitely time to change it out. And the front tilt lock fluid as well.


....

+ 1 on changing the fluid

And *reverse* bleed it.

That's the one thing I get nervous about, bleeding the brakes! Anyone in the Folsom area want to come over next weekend and help me with this task?

+1 Good Grief !