Brake Caliper Leaking

[ABCarr]

When it rains, it pours!!! Finally got the bike running the way it should, now the rear brake caliper is leaking.

[davej]

Well on the bright side they are easy and inexpensive to rebuild.

[ABCarr]

Yeah, doesn't look too bad to rebuild. Already got it off the bike and looking at rebuild kits. Any certain (brand) kit to stay away from?

[Lug Nut]

If all balls racing makes one get that. Also I use compressed air to blow out the pistons and clean them up with emery cloth brake cleaner etc. Get all the rest off. Don't be too aggressive with it.

[ABCarr]

Yes, All Balls does have kits on eBay.

And thanks for the tips!

[Tcontrol]

a new use for old jeans….



When using compressed air…. Also get a u-clamp since there are 2 pistons…. Use a rag to wrap the caliper and catch the pistons or “the search is on” when it shoots at a blistering speed across the room…. Assuming your face doesnt catch it first….
in other words…. Use some common sense to prevent injury….

they are very easy to change the o-rings and dust seals…. A little brake cleaner to clean the grooves with maybe a tooth pick (preferred) or a Q-tip stick (remove the cotton first)…. And blow it dry with compressed air…. Use a little brake fluid for lubrication of the new o-rings during re-assembly…. It helps a lot…. Some 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to polish the pistons if needed…. Use your best judgement…. I have used an old toothbrush to get a lot of the old crusty stuff off….

Take your time and it’s pretty straight forward… (I always split the caliper for ease of access… a vise and some rags help for dis-assembly… the bolts are pretty tight since they used a little locktight on initial assembly)

[davej]

excellent repair advice.

[ABCarr]

Got the pistons out and in the process of cleaning the caliper but there is a lot of crusted on grime in and around the o-ring and seal grooves. Since I'm waiting on the seal kit to arrive and have the time, would it be okay to just soak the entire caliper in brake cleaner to help soften and remove the grime?

[Shores]

Yes you can soak everything in brake cleaner. I use a plastic razor blade or other small plastic tool to scrape off any crud.

[Brad_G]

I've never rebuilt a caliper (on cars just got a rebuilt and returned the core) so I'll be curious to see the response to your question and how it goes. For cleaning things I've found Simple Green does a great job as a cleaner. I've soaked some pistons and was amazed at how well it cleaned. My guess would be with SG when you take it out and wash it off you'd have to worry about flash rust on the caliper unless it's an alloy material. So it would probably need to be painted or coated with something. But it should clean everything without worry.

[Jclevesque]

You are on to a good start. I would only add replacing the rear line with a stainless braided one at same time since you are there. If pads are in question, replace those too. I had to replace my rotor and pads on mine. The rotor was eat up pretty good. P.O. had on the real aggressive pads and ate it all up. Found a deal on a new EBC.

[Sharpman66]

And... if you decide to changes those rear pads may i suggest using ceramic pads if you have white walls tires... it eliminates that nasty brake dust.

[Lug Nut]

EBC Organic for rear is nice ...not as prone to lock up as HH version. And flush entire brake system fluid...8 have always used Prestone DOT 4 with great success

[brianmac]

usually a leaker has pitted pistons,? how are they?

[ABCarr]

Yes, I'm replacing the pads. EBC Organic. Been using them for years.

Replaced the rear brake line 3 years ago with the black stainless steel line.

Yes, one of the pistons has some pitting so I've got a set of pistons ordered also.

Got the caliper cleaned up and waiting for parts.

Thanks for the comments and tips!!