[Mondoman1]

I'm installing a new BB7 front brake w/183mm rotor -- it's my first experience with BB7s. The rotor mounted just fine, but when I try to slide the caliper over the rotor to mount it on the fork, I can't get the pads far enough apart to do so. Both red adjusting knobs are at their max-open (counterclockwise) limits. I've posted photos of the overall caliper and a close up of the pads/slot. It looks to me like the movable pad/piston is not retracting fully. Is this a defective caliper, or is there some adjustment I'm missing?

 

[Bikinfoolferlife]

Have you tried removing the pads, then pushing the movable piston back in? For further details read this http://sram.com/_media/techdocs/Avid BB7 Overhaul Guide.pdf

 

[Mondoman1]

I haven't tried that -- will do so, and will look at the guide in your link - thanks!

 

[Bikinfoolferlife]

Glad to help a fellow insomniac?

 

[Mondoman1]

Just staying up very late...
Reading the pad-removal procedure, it turned out that I wasn't applying enough force in turning the small red knob counter-clockwise. Carefully using some pliers gave me a couple of turns to its real limit, the slot opened up, and I'm in business. Thanks again.