Thought this might be a bit of fun..maybe become a regular topic deal here IDK.

I'll start it off here...

Question:WHY does the service manual instruct the mechanic to "remove front calipers" when removing the front wheel?

Okay gearheads...post up!

mmmmmm- uh- Because they know that we are all going to avoid removing the front fender at all costs. There will probably be some wrestling going on to pull the front wheel out after the axle is removed. Having the calipers off just makes it easier. Also no worries about damaging the brake pads if you just pull the whole calipers off.

* Last updated by: Rook on 10/10/2010 @ 6:13 PM *

Dunno the owners manual service reason, but it's a lot easier to take 'em off. The big problem will appear when the wheel goes back on. Trying to line up 2 calipers, and the wheel, all at the same time to slip the disks back in, would be a real chore.

JOB done ! great idea just in both threads boys pat on yer back !

I would say that the brake pads don't always stay in place and if you force the wheel up while trying to place the Axle back in, you stand a good chance of having a temper tantrum because it won't go and you can not see why ? How's that ?

Just a guess. I don't have a manual. Sound write ? You could also Scratch up the rim ?

As everyone said...just way easier. I always try to think a step or two ahead and maybe save some time too but the first time I took the wheel off I could tell keeping the calipers on was asking for trouble. I was mostly worried about having to remove those dang brake hose holders from the fender but it never came to that. Later on I noticed in the manual a similar (or identical?) holder for part of the electrical harness that wasn't any trouble to remove at all if you know the procedure.

^^I call that the octopus beak fastener. Simple if you can see what you are working with but A super PITA if you can't. I'm sure many people just bust it off if they need to take off the fender.