General techniques: Cleaning brake pistons.

[darrsi]

I *was* happy with the job... until I tried spinning the front wheel and found that with a good heave it only manages one rotation. I can also hear slight rubbing. Without the calipers the front spins freely so the bearings are fine. The discs don't get massively hot but still, it's not right.


Is it worth lubricating the pistons as it advises in the Haynes manual (silicone grease)? Would that make any difference? Or, as I suspect, is it going to be crap built up behind the seals causing the seals to grip the pistons? Or the seals themselves swelling for some reason and gripping the pistons? Either way, that means a proper overhaul. Bugger.


Anything I should be aware of doing a full overhaul? What's the best way to clean out the seal recesses given the difficulty in accessing them? In the past I've found muck in there that needs cleaning out.

Don't use anything other than Red Rubber Grease on brake pistons. You can use it to keep the rubber seals in place, and aid the refitting of the pots, and it will prolong the life of the rubber.
Then smear it on the exposed area of the pots before pushing them back in so that the pads can be placed.
I service mine just before winter kicks in and then around April when it warms up again, and it keeps them functioning perfectly all year round.