Brake Caliper Pistons

[mobile mouse]

My rear caliper was as bad if not worse.
I ended up splitting the caliper to aid in the cleaning.
I just greased the O ring before clamping back up. I just took my time and had no issues at all.


After cleaning up it works great and is performing better than expected.

[sinto607276]

I ended up splitting the caliper to aid in the cleaning.

How did you split the caliper? Thought this is cast as one piece?

is performing better than expected.

If you've split it, will it be as strong as before?

[anutz]

OK ordered some Wonder Wheels....lets see what it does to the pistons

If it saves me using anything too mechanically abrasive thats good....just let the chemicals do their job...

[Dave48]

[quote author=mobile mouse link=topic=16810.msg193966#msg193966 date=1430774448]

I ended up splitting the caliper to aid in the cleaning.

How did you split the caliper? Thought this is cast as one piece?

is performing better than expected.

If you've split it, will it be as strong as before?


Easy enough to take apart in a (suitably padded) bench vice. The 2 halves bolt together. The very small central "O" ring seal is available included as a seal kit from Powerhouse Automotive, Sheffield. Their pattern seals fit perfectly unlike some other some on the market.
[/quote]

[sinto607276]

Ahh right, found this, it might help.

[Paul]

I once had a problem with both front discs binding on the pads.


There was no corrosion on the pistons, but the seals were not pulling the pistons back fully when I let off the brake.


The cure was new seals.


I reckon the cause was either toasting the front brake doing the Hard Knot & Wyrenose pass twice as fast as I could
Or
Possibly topping up the system using DOT3 brake fluid..... I think it was DOT3, or if it wasn't the wrong brake fluid.

[unfazed]

Powerhouse Automotive, Sheffield.
http://www.powerhouseautomotive.co.uk/co...rvices.php

Good for you Dave48 :thumbup

Did not know this group existed, they do complete kits for the Fzs600 rear caliper including the Seals between the two halves

[sinto607276]

This would be better anutz as it's actually off our bike!
https://www.yamahamotorcyclespares.co.uk...layID=9657

[mobile mouse]

Mine was a rear caliper from a 600.
You can split this rear caliper. I torqued it back to 40Nm there is only 1 gallery between each half.

[anutz]

Does anyone know if the seals i bought look ok - there is a link posted earlier - its the only thing i cannot figure out - until i get them...

what is this elusive double lip dust seal?!

:o

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200831498651?_...EBIDX%3AIT

Some listings say the double lip seals are vital??!

or am i being too OCD?

[darrsi]

Similar to this i s'pose?

[anutz]

does anyone have an OEM one to hand - to photo - if not i will have as soon as my pump adapter gets here  :lol

[Fazerider]

[anutz]

Thanks for posting that...


I shall see what mine a like when they arrive - if they are not like that i will have to return them....


i suppose?

[riedrider]

The Tourmax kit I used for the  R1  front calipers for my TDM had also double lips.
Here you can find a picture (click to enlarge)
https://www.motointegrator.de/artikel/10...ax-bcf-213

[anutz]

So - this is picture heavy...apologies....


I have had a go at with the pistons, had them out, with Wonder Wheels and some razors and wet and dry...


They look ok but some still have some rust or light marking on the edges....nothing that i suspect would cause and issue but i need input as i am a novice!


If i need to replace pistons i shall


Also the rear i had to split as the pistons would not budge and one still will not.....its a bit nackered so am looking for a 1000 rear to stick on...


Anutz!

[unfazed]

If mine looked like that I'd replace them.

[anutz]

All of em? :eek :'(

Some look ok or all buggered?!

[Dave48]

All of em? :eek :'(

Some look ok or all buggered?!


+1
The problem being that the movement of the pistons over time will damage the new seals allowing ingress of dirt/water exacerbating the problem.
Its a considerable expense but apart from routine cleaning/maintenance you wont have to do it again. Unfortunately you have inherited the cost of putting right previous lack of preventative maintenance!

[darrsi]

They're not great, but surely they can be buffed up a lot better than that?
I can understand if there was corrosion on part of the pistons that go into the caliper, but only one of them looks like that could maybe happen, the other 3 are still going to be exposed and not enter the caliper at all so shouldn't cause a problem.
They're unsightly and not perfect but so what, they'll be covered in shit again in no time, no matter how new they look going in.


As i said, one does look suspect though so if that can't be improved then at the very least that will need changing, but i don't think the others are bad enough to cause any problems, unless you buy some mega wide pads.
And use plenty of red rubber grease on refitting.


It's obviously your choice primarily though, and just my personal opinion.


If you ride all year round like i do the edges of the pots tend to look like that anyway, due to the amount of salt on the roads in winter, that's why i recommend cleaning the pistons with a toothbrush, brake cleaner then reapplying with red rubber grease at least once, or even twice a year if you can be arsed.