Sticky brake calipers?

**cheese** · 12th October 2010, 21:19

I went to change my front brake pads and the callipers aren't sliding back in. is there a trick to it? also is there meant to be heat shields on the back of the pads?

**Rupe** · 12th October 2010, 21:26

Originally Posted by cheese

I went to change my front brake pads and the callipers aren't sliding back in. is there a trick to it? also is there meant to be heat shields on the back of the pads?

yes amd yes.

Take them apart (inc pistons), clean, re-grease, put some new fluid in and bleed. You've been crapping on for ages how spongey they are, just do it and don't be lazy

**andy 101** · 13th October 2010, 07:08

Take the cap off the master, the one on the handle bars the callipers wont move in with the cap on.

**doc** · 13th October 2010, 07:17

This was posted a while ago. Fixed my problem. Try it before you pull the pistons out. Might work and save you rebuilding.

**barty5** · 13th October 2010, 07:47

lube the slides will be dry and full a crap probably find one pad is more worn than the other caused by slides sticking = using only one 1/2 of the brakes

**Subike** · 13th October 2010, 08:38

Originally Posted by barty5

lube the slides will be dry and full a crap probably find one pad is more worn than the other caused by slides sticking = using only one 1/2 of the brakes

Your the one thats on to it.
The most common reason for binding brakes, exsessive wear and soft pressure is this . One of the simplest things to do, but the most common overlooked.
Binding brakes are often miss diagnosed as sticking pistons, when it is the slides that are the problem.
Garages love this problem, as it allows them to recomend a bigger job than is needed. often recomending reconditioning the calipers and sometimes using the argument that the discs need replacingas well, big dollars, lots of labour cost = profit.
Cleaning the slides is a simple job, requiring min skill. Read your bikes manuel to find out exactly where the slids are for your model, then think about how they work.
Dissasemble, clean , reassemble, usually this is all that is needed to eleviate the problem...and in the future , make it part of your cleaning routine,

**barty5** · 13th October 2010, 08:56

Originally Posted by Subike

Your the one thats on to it.
The most common reason for binding brakes, exsessive wear and soft pressure is this . One of the simplest things to do, but the most common overlooked.
Binding brakes are often miss diagnosed as sticking pistons, when it is the slides that are the problem.
Garages love this problem, as it allows them to recomend a bigger job than is needed. often recomending reconditioning the calipers and sometimes using the argument that the discs need replacingas well, big dollars, lots of labour cost = profit.
Cleaning the slides is a simple job, requiring min skill. Read your bikes manuel to find out exactly where the slids are for your model, then think about how they work.
Dissasemble, clean , reassemble, usually this is all that is needed to eleviate the problem...and in the future , make it part of your cleaning routine,

Haha shhh dont tell them i own a auto workshop not that we would ever consider tell customers the untruth about these thing I find its better to be more honest and get the respect and trust of your customers

**cheese** · 13th October 2010, 10:04

Both pads have even wear. It probably is just dirty pistons. I'll attack it with the simple green and a toothbrush.

**Rupe** · 13th October 2010, 17:57

Originally Posted by cheese

Both pads have even wear. It probably is just dirty pistons. I'll attack it with the simple green and a toothbrush.

Why not just take it all apart, clean, new fluid, and re-grease????

had a few bikes with brakes not working recently, they're like new once I did this. It's quicker and easier to do it properly than to do it half arse and put it back together only to have to re-do it.

**barty5** · 13th October 2010, 18:47

Originally Posted by Rupe

Why not just take it all apart, clean, new fluid, and re-grease????

had a few bikes with brakes not working recently, they're like new once I did this. It's quicker and easier to do it properly than to do it half arse and put it back together only to have to re-do it.

But this is cheese slowly but surly