Disc brakes are self centering right?

[nastyjones]

I have a Bandit swingarm and Bandit rear caliper on my 80 gs1100. The left side chain alignment is perfect but on the other side the rotor doesn't sit exactly in the middle of the caliper. I'm thinking this doesn't matter because each of the pads will push against the rotor when I use the brakes and then when I release the brakes, pressure will pull the pads away from the rotor. Hopefully, I explained this clearly.

Agree or not?

[Steve]

The caliper will never self-center on the rotor, but you are correct, the pistons will push the pads evenly.

It's not "pressure" that will pull the pads away. It is only the elasticity of the rubber piston seals that pulls them back.

Hopefully the rotor is sort of close to center. If it's too far off, the piston on the larger side might get pushed past the seal when the pads are down to minimum thickness.

.

[nastyjones]

Sorry, I meant to say "will the pads both squeeze the rotor even if the rotor is slightly off center".