Removing front calipers without disconnecting?
 

I'm replacing the rotors on my Carrera 3.2, and I can't seem to figure out how to remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake lines. I know I can just bleed them out again, if I have to, but I'd rather keep it cleaner and keep the system closed while I replace the rotor.

Am I missing something? At least on the rears, I was able to get a little bit of flexibility from the hard lines by removing the clip where they met the rubber lines.
-Neil

PS: Am I the only one who's noticed that Carrera is tagged by the spell checker here? ;-)

Before you remove the caliper, be sure to lever the puck into the caliper body by opening the bleed nipple as you lever the pad in using the appropriate screwdriver or equiv. No worries on scarring what you will be throwing away.

This room will allow you to slide the new pads in later without a huge mess.

Needless to say this is the time for new hoses if you have not already replaced them. If you do so, do not attempt any loosening without true brake wrenches and PB Blaster or equiv. to loosen things up. Also, wheel bearings are typically analyzed and replaced at this time since you will have the "hat" off.

Once the pistons are pushed back into the caliper you can lift them off without disconnecting the brake lines. Don't be afraid to muscle it out of the way. If you are somewhat worried, loosen the bearing nut to remove the rotor and pull the rotor and lift the caliper if you feel better doing it that way. I never bleed pressure via the nipple, but that is just my choice. Once the new rotors and pads are on and the caliper bolted back in, then do your flush or bleed.
Make sure you bed in the new pads.

Pull the pads....

I always disconnect the lines. If you don't you have to bend the hard lines too much IMO. Easy way to minimize the fluid loss is to hold the pedal depressed an inch or so with a stick. This keeps the fluid from flowing from the reservoir to the open line. Very little fluid will escape.

-Andy

x2 That's how I do it.

they're metal lines, so you need to disconnect or you'll damage them.

Yea...pull the pin, remove the pads then (if need be) push the pistons back in to make room for the thicker new rotor.