Annual brake seizure!

[Rabbitson]

I'm a bit surprised that you are having such regular consistent problems. I have been riding my bike just about everyday since October (covered about 10,000 miles) and I have been impressed that this has not happened. I take the bike down the jet wash once every couple of weeks but that's it. Mine has the brembo calipers but no problems so far, and far better than my previous jap bikes

 

[newman7096]

Caliper Grease!

This has just arrived in the post!

 

[newman7096]

It states on the side;

Non mealting and water resistent, designed for use in brake assenbelies

 

[notadrop]

PINS
I found problems as well. Main problem was the slide pin in each caliper that were rusted and preventing the pads from returning when the pressure from the pistons was off the pad. Solved it for me. Removed and replaced with new [had tried cleaning with fine wet and dry and regreasing, but the salt soon got to work again on the rubbed down surface and my problem was back]. Pins cost about £6 for rear and dependent on type of front caliper £6 or £10.

 

[Keith Davies]

Mine seized a few weeks ago. It was a build-up of crud and salt between the pads and the caliper, not a problem with the pistons. I removed and cleaned up the pads and pin, coated all lightly with copper grease and replaced.

There dosn't seem to be much clearance between the front of the pads and the caliper. Mine only seized after a good wash down and been left in the garage for a week. I assume the extra moisture allowed the salt compounds to expand and dry (Isn't salt hydroscopic). No further problems.

Keith

 

[newman7096]

Brakes sorted!!

Dismantled this morning and I have to say both front calipers were in a sorry state!

Massive salt build up, white and furry everywhere and even a few bits of road grit fell out!

Pads out, good dose of brake cleaner, rubbed out with a rag, exposed the pistons and greased with"super caliper grease".

The pin was orange with rust so got to work with the wet and dry and then polished with autosol. Now really shinney and smooth, applied copper grease to pin and rear of pads and reassembled!

Bingo! Everything working as it should be!

Did the rear aswell and everything went swimmingly!

Gave me a good opportunity to examine the wear of the pads so I think I'll be needing to replace them all come summer time!

This was an easy job and I recommend you do it!

Thanks to everyone for their help and advise!

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

I notice in your first post you said that after cleaning it - you spray the calipers with BRAKE CLEANER.

If its what i think it is - then this could be your problem.

Brake cleaner should only be used during a caliper / cylinder strip.
It is THE most thorough degreaser available and will cause all grease and oil to be removed from a surface.

What you are seeing as white furry salt build up COULD be aluminium corrosion (oxide ) due to lack of surface oil.

This would go a long way to explaining the problems you're having.

DONT USE THE BRAKE CLEANER !!

After washing, spray a minute amount of penetrating oil on the pin area of the calipers-both sides - and let it get pulled in along the pin by capillary action - not near the discs / pads obviously.

Pistons can be lubricated by pulling back the dust cover and again a very small amount of oil in behind, where the piston goes into the caliper.

Pads should be loose enough between the caliper walls not to need anything - if they are tight, file them down slightly.

Phil

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Pistons can be lubricated by pulling back the dust cover and again a very small amount of oil in behind, where the piston goes into the caliper.


Phil

Never put mineral oil anywhere near brake seals as it will cause them to swell and render your brakes useless.
This is why they make special greases, for brake callipers, that are non mineral and do not damage the seals.
KR

 

[newman7096]

B*W

I notice in your first post you said that after cleaning it - you spray the calipers with BRAKE CLEANER.

If its what i think it is - then this could be your problem.

Brake cleaner should only be used during a caliper / cylinder strip.
It is THE most thorough degreaser available and will cause all grease and oil to be removed from a surface.

What you are seeing as white furry salt build up COULD be aluminium corrosion (oxide ) due to lack of surface oil.

This would go a long way to explaining the problems you're having.

DONT USE THE BRAKE CLEANER !!

After washing, spray a minute amount of penetrating oil on the pin area of the calipers-both sides - and let it get pulled in along the pin by capillary action - not near the discs / pads obviously.

Pistons can be lubricated by pulling back the dust cover and again a very small amount of oil in behind, where the piston goes into the caliper.

Pads should be loose enough between the caliper walls not to need anything - if they are tight, file them down slightly.

Phil

Phil,

I was actually advised to spray the calipers after every ride by a BMW dealer that will remain nameless, after the last seizure, but I fell out with this dealer some time ago due to various problems with them!

What you say does make sense and I will now only use the brake cleaner when stripping down!

Cheers fot the advise though!

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Kenny Rodkiss

Kenny - small amount of red rubber grease on the pistons - is that OK by you



Para

Ideal stuff

 

[Burfcontrol]

Paul, glad you're sorted

Still reckon best advice is cover it in Waxoil and forget it for 5 months.

Jim