Rear Brake Servicing

[darrsi]

Not sure whether you've been told but the way to check for brakes binding is with wheel off the ground, actuate the brakes hard for approx 4 seconds release and immediately try to spin the wheel if they are binding there will momentarily be resistance. Best to have hold of the wheel before releasing the brake


I wouldn't and don't use red rubber because 1. it would attract crap to stick    2. according to my Yam dealer, too much can have a negative impact on the seals and should only be used sparingly to help initial installation and whether or not that is the case  3. the brake fluid lubricates the piston anyway.


Before removing the pads i push both pistons fully in then remove pads and clean the caliper with a tooth brush. put a spanner between the slot and then a wedge between the spanner and one of the pistons so that I can pump one piston out at a time to clean. 


Once cleaned if they are still binding a bleed may finish the job

I totally disagree about the red rubber grease.
It certainly doesn't do anything negative whatsoever otherwise I would know about it by now.
And you say it attracts crap. Yes indeed it does, but that crap stays on top of the grease and doesn't touch the pistons. Many times I've gone to clean them and they look covered in dust and all a bit grotty, which will happen anyway if you ride in all weather's, but what I've found is that underneath all that crap the pistons were totally clean and protected from the elements by the grease. A few sprays of brake cleaner and a scrub with a toothbrush and they all look like new again. I only serviced mine again two days ago and sure enough they were in very good nick as usual. They appreciate the clean of course, but none were seizing up at all, and even the slightest touch of the brakes going to work today was extremely responsive and instant.
Mustn't overlook the pad pins either, they need properly cleaning up so the pads can slide freely, because if you neglect them and you get hints of rust then more problems will arise.