Any tips before I overhaul me brakes?

[ArgyBargy]

Except 'take it to a garage'

The front pistons are a bit seized up, so I'm taking the calipers off, cleaning it all up, fitting new PFM discs and Ferodo pads.

Motorworks chappy (disc vendor) said the calipers probably just gummed up with crud, and recommended a thorough clean, easing the pistons in and out using the lever, whilst lubing with clean brake fliud. Also said don't split the calipers unless fitting an overhaul kit. He reckoned it was worth a try with the 'good clean' before buying new parts.

Anyone done this job and want to pass on their hard earned knowledge?

 

[oblertone]

Splitting !

I can endorse what you were told about splitting the calipers ! I split mine only to discard two minute 'O' rings with the water I scrubbed them in. To compound it I then threw the water out into the street, took me an hour to find both the little bleeders ! The little spring holding the slider bar will feck off into the depths of your garage and the bar will be corroded to buggery, use lots of Coppaslip !
Reassembly and bleeding was suprisingly straightforward but I recommend taping the lever back against the bar and leaving it overnight to allow the last of the bubbles out.

Steptoe is yer man for pads, good quality and cheap as chips !

 

[Madmountainman]

You'll need...

1. Can of brake cleaner
2. Tooth brush
3. Red rubber grease
4. Cotton buds
5. Fine grade wet and dry

Take the calipers off and remove the pads.

Squeeze the brake lever to extend the pistons. A thin bit of wood helps here to stop the pistons coming fully out!

Clean everything with the cleaner and toothbrush, hopefully the pistons will come up nice and shiney!

Smear pistons and back of pads with a light coat of red grease.

Push pistons fully back in.

Put everything back together having made sure you've cleaned the securing pins with the wet and dry, and greased em too!

Proceed to a brake fluid bleed if you feel it's necessary.

 

[Greg Masters]

When doing the rear brakes, slide the caliper off the two pins that it mounts on. Throughly clean and reassemble using a decent anti-seize grease.

Doing this transformed the performance of my rear brake!

Greg

 

[ArgyBargy]

Marvellous stuff chaps, ta muchly. I'm especially looking forward to the little springy bits fecking off in to the depths of my garage.