brake pads, oil and filter change

[darrsi]

I have a can of brake cleaner so will give the rear pistons a good clean, I hear they are prone to seize on the rear. Likewise I will clean front ones as well. I don't have red rubber grease, is it safe to put that on pistons? I heard you shouldn't really grease pistons up as they will attract dirt??  I do have copper greace, would you recommend that for back of pads? Good points regarding filter, will only hand tighten

Invest in a small 200g pot of Red Rubber Grease, it lasts ages, doesn't go off and keeps the pistons and seals in good condition. The only dirt it will attract will be on the outside, it's underneath that counts.


The softer the pads you use, the more dust will be created. A lot of people like organic pads on the rear as they are softer on the disc and not so grabby, but on the downside they create a lot of dust which is what clogs the pistons up.
I use ceramic ones on my bike. You want to avoid sintered on the rear as they eat brake discs for fun, although they're fine on the front.


As said, a "very light" smear of copper grease is fine on the back of the pads, but don't even think about putting it on the pistons. The particles of copper will chew the seals up in no time.


You should get in the habit of cleaning and greasing your brakes at least once, or even twice a year if you have the chance.
The fronts are more fiddly and time consuming but the results are worth it, and once they're all functioning nicely and greased up properly the job won't be so bad next time.