Buggered seal or just need a clean?

[stevewederell]

Right so my newest problem is with my front brakes, specifically the inner right piston(s).

I have a CB600 Hornet and the inner pad seems to be wearing very very fast. When I replaced the pads last year this particular set of pistons was quite hard to push back in to get the pad out. Didn’t think anything of it and cleaned as much as I could without removing and cleaning the whole calliper and brake system.

What I’m wondering is if I should remove the callipers and pull everything apart and clean her out (which I haven’t done before but happy to give it a nudge) or if the seals are probably fucked in which I’ll have to do the above, replace whatever needs to go and throw yet another set of pads on board.

Any thoughts and tips wanted, so feel free to get the gay Honda bashing out of the way first


Cheers
Steve

[FJRider]

A good clean of the front brake system is always a good idea, if there are possible problems. New seals also helps remove possible problems. And narrows the search area if the problem still exists.The piston on ONE side suggests the other is sticking...or line to that piston is blocked. A good starting point.

Gay honda bashing... as if I would do that....

[stevewederell]

So, am I best to pull the calliper(s) off and pull them apart or just try and do what I can with it attached? I'm thinking I should whip the buggers off...

[FROSTY:Me]

Without wanting to raise the ire of the mechanical purists on here. Id have a crack at giving the pistons,pins and slides on the offending caliper a good clean up and lube then see how things go.
by lube of course I mean with a water based lube on the brake pistons or anywhere intended to touch brake fluid.
Theres a bunch of threads about this subject.
its not something I suggest tackling first time on your own. Id have someone who knows what theyre doing show you how first

[FJRider]

Or pay someone to do it....

[stevewederell]

Without wanting to raise the ire of the mechanical purists on here. Id have a crack at giving the pistons,pins and slides on the offending caliper a good clean up and lube then see how things go.
by lube of course I mean with a water based lube on the brake pistons or anywhere intended to touch brake fluid.
Theres a bunch of threads about this subject.
its not something I suggest tackling first time on your own. Id have someone who knows what theyre doing show you how first

Quite keen to tackle this over the easter weekend. Thought I'd just take my time.

I have some Bel-Ray lube of some sort but I doubt it's water based (can't be arsed getting off the couch to check). So lube better that brake fluid? Should I try and take the seals out to clean in there and how do I do it without damaging them, or is it so simple I'll answer my own question when I get in there?

I'll have another wee search on cleaning and dismantling them, see what I can find.

[Taz]

Nothing difficult about it. calipers are very simple. should only take a half hour a side. Brake fluid is fine for lubing seals for reassembly. Can blow pistons out with compressed air but be careful as they'll take off if you dont use a block of wood or similar in the caliper,

[FROSTY:Me]

Quite keen to tackle this over the easter weekend. Thought I'd just take my time.

I have some Bel-Ray lube of some sort but I doubt it's water based (can't be arsed getting off the couch to check). So lube better that brake fluid?
NO NO NO--dont go near em with that stuff or the next thing youll be saying is --How come my brakes dont work. brake fluid yes any other oil based lube NO
Should I try and take the seals out to clean in there and how do I do it without damaging them, or is it so simple I'll answer my own question when I get in there?
dude I wouldn't go that far. Like as not the pistons are covered in crap. WATER and soap are great for a bike of its age -wash the crud off till you have a nice shiney chrome surface again. That may very well be all you need to do.

I'll have another wee search on cleaning and dismantling them, see what I can find.

sorry if I sound pedantic

[stevewederell]

Not at all, pedantic is great, less chance of me screwing it up.

I've got lots of nice clean sterile tools I can (borrow) from the lab for cleaning little bits. Brake cleaner spray con o stuff too.

My plan - Pull the caliper off, pads out, open caliper up, spit the pistons out (although I don't have compressed air), rub a dub dub clean and polish, lube, pistons back in, caliper back together, back on bike - then no more problems ever again...

[Taz]

Not at all, pedantic is great, less chance of me screwing it up.

I've got lots of nice clean sterile tools I can (borrow) from the lab for cleaning little bits. Brake cleaner spray con o stuff too.

My plan - Pull the caliper off, pads out, open caliper up, spit the pistons out (although I don't have compressed air), rub a dub dub clean and polish, lube, pistons back in, caliper back together, back on bike - then no more problems ever again...

Cool plan......

[LBD]

Gay honda bashing... as if I would do that....

Of course you wouldn't,...that would be the pot calling the kettle black.

Mate unless you are 100% confident, remove them from the bike and take them to the proffesionals, your front brake is the last thing you want to fail.

If confident then the advice above is pretty good. Check for pitting, corrosion, groves, gouges or other wear in the bores and where the seals fit on the pistons. Fit new seals and dust seals and by the sound of it a new set of pads.

Good luck

[mujambee]

If you feel confident with it, there is something much simpler you can do and see what happens; I do it everytime I change the pads.

Simply unfasten the calipers from the bike, but dont remove the hose. With the caliper in your hand, hold the pistons in one side and gently press the brake lever so the pistons in the other side get out of their housings. When you have enough of the piston out, you can simply pull it out, clean it and put it back again.

An alternative to stevewederell's water and soap, I use one of those rotary wire brushes (don't know the name in english). Sounds like it will destroy it, but I was told by a professional and it works fine. And it's fast. I mean this thing

[stevewederell]

Right, have pads sorted and I'll grab some more fluid while I'm there. Is it obvious if the seals are bung? Looking for cracks, splits, scratches???

[Taz]

I personally would replace the seals.

[Max Preload]

Strip the calipers and clean the grooves where the dust seals sit. It's also a common problem where knuckleheads have been liberally spraying brakeclean everywhere, which is harmful to the rubber components. Clean calipers only with hot soapy water.