I am about to change the brakepads on the front calibers, and wondering if I have to drain some of the brake fluid before pushing the pistons back in? right now it is at the maximum mark.
I would remove the cap and use some kitchen roll to absorb some to get you closer to the min, then push the pistons back and the level shouldn't rise too much past the max level, then you can pump them back. However, it's worth cleaning all the muck off the pistons first before you push them back as otherwise you can risk damaging the piston seals.
I might have to do this myself in the near future, on an 1198S. Probably a stupid question, but do the calipers come off the forks without removing the wheel (the right side one looks especially tight)??? TIA
Yep. I usually loosen the 2 caliper bolts and give them a little twist, which pushes the pads back in slightly and allows you to get the caliper past the rim to remove it.
get a large syringe from a chemist and use it to suck out some of the fluid ...less messy. callipers come off without taking out the wheel check the edges of the new pads so there are no high spots dont forget a little copper slip on the back of them to assist the anti squeal.. and finally why not bleed the whole thing after to put new fluid in there
