Any issues with frequent removal of front disc wheel?

[jimcav]

Some of you may remember my "live in a van thread" and the job I am aiming for just got added to the exemption list on the federal hiring freeze, so I am back to debating with myself of staying in my ford windstar, or getting a truck and micro-camper. I saw a nice used f 150 with the cover that encloses the bed, I don't believe that a large MTB, 29er could lay down with the front wheel on. Currently I can have my bike upright in the van. I've always wanted a truck, but never had one. The biggest argument against the truck/camper option is it sort of negates my original goal in trying the van living was to save as much as possible and retire a few years earlier. Of course I can rationalize it as if I live in the camper versus hotels or rental house/room, it will pay for itself in time, but please let me know if frequent removal/insertion has a negative effect on MTB disc brakes. My ibis has XT (but i am selling it) and my evil has SLX, so I assume any problems would be similar. Several years ago (2006-7) I had a giant anthem and when i removed the wheel to travel it somehow messed up the front brake and I had the LBS adjust it---just wondered if the same thing is likely?
thanks
jim

[sandyrs]

The issue you probably had on your Giant is that with most hydraulic disc brakes, if you pull the lever without a rotor in place for the pads to contact, they will move really far inward and not return to their original position, making reinserting the wheel difficult. The fix for this is just to remove the pads and push the pistons back out with a tool, but it's a minor inconvenience at best and a major annoyance if you have to do it constantly. There are spacers available to sit between the disc brake pads when the wheel is out- if you get one of those, you shouldn't have any problems.

[Tony]

I remove my front wheel often and have No problems, No adjustments nessasary with my XT and XTR front brakes.

[11.4]

Since this has happened to you and it concerns you, just get a couple of the pad spacers and insert them right when you remove the wheel. There's also a simple wedge tool that Park (and others) make to spread the pistons gently again, and you could keep one around just in case this happens. It's certainly not a serious problem to deal with.

[jimcav]

I am glad to see these replies. now that I read the replies it triggered a memory that one of my bikes had I think it was avid brakes and came with a spacer thing for when you removed the wheel--but I only used it once, and when I opened the trunk of the car I had then, it had fallen out, but the wheel went back in fine. So it sounds like I just can make a wedge shaped spacer that will stay in and I'll be fine.
thanks

[pdmtong]

the issue is not the disc - the issue is that with the wheel removed the lever was moved (noted in earlier post). either put a spacer in there or make sure you do not touch the lever.

[bewheels]

For XT brakes, the spacer is a red colored piece of plastic. On one edge it has a little tab that acts as a handle. On the opposite edge there is a prong-like thing that when inserted snap onto the disc pad installation bolt which keeps it in place until you pull on the handle to yank it back out. Easy-peasy.
They look like this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/f9gAAOSwXshWqbrf/s-l300.jpg

You don't want the yellow one. The yellow one is part of a bleeding process for when the pads are removed.
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/DPUAAOSw~OVWzL0u/s-l225.jpg

What the red spacer looks like in place (couldn't find a better picture quickly). Again, ignore the yellow blocks.
https://static.bike-components.de/cache/p/dm1/4/9/Shimano-BR-M7000-SLX-Disc-Brake-with-G02S-Resin-Brake-Pads-2017-Model-black-front-49896-152784-1481260151.jpeg

[jimcav]

one less thing to google tonight!
For XT brakes, the spacer is a red colored piece of plastic. On one edge it has a little tab that acts as a handle. On the opposite edge there is a prong-like thing that when inserted snap onto the disc pad installation bolt which keeps it in place until you pull on the handle to yank it back out. Easy-peasy.
They look like this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/f9gAAOSwXshWqbrf/s-l300.jpg

You don't want the yellow one. The yellow one is part of a bleeding process for when the pads are removed.
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/DPUAAOSw~OVWzL0u/s-l225.jpg

What the red spacer looks like in place (couldn't find a better picture quickly). Again, ignore the yellow blocks.
https://static.bike-components.de/cache/p/dm1/4/9/Shimano-BR-M7000-SLX-Disc-Brake-with-G02S-Resin-Brake-Pads-2017-Model-black-front-49896-152784-1481260151.jpeg