Caliper piston seals worth replacing on a 12 year old GS?

[jonesai]

I have a 1999 1150GS with 36000 miles on the clock and fitted with Brembo calipers. As the bike is 12 years old I am thinking of replacing the brake hoses front and rear with braided hoses as a preventative maintenance measure. The hoses from Motobins appear the cheapest at around £65 + postage

I am also considering whether to replace the caliper seals and pistons at the same time. The seals/pistons are not leaking or sticking and the brakes work fine. However compared to the hoses which are around £65 to replace, the 4-pot caliper seals and pistons are £117 to replace both front and rear. It does not appear possible to buy the seals on their own. You have to buy the pistons as well as a set.

Has anyone had problems with leaking Brembo caliper piston seals? I am wondering if it is worth replacing them because of their cost.


Thoughts/experiences appreciated

 

[magicstu]

I wouldnt bother replacing the pistons unless they show signs of pitting, or scoring, and are damaging the seals,and the bikes got low mileage it's probably never seen the winter, and thats what usually screws up all the brake caliper if not cleaned regularly.

Seems a bit wierd not being able to buy seals without pistons tho.

 

[B4ndit]

I think you do right replacing the hoses. I have just had to do the rear on my 1150GS, 2001 with 63000 miles, as the oem hose was ballooning under pressure. Front was already braided.

As for the Brembo calipers they seem to be functioning okay with no obvious problems.

For peace of mind I would replace the seals if I had everything in bits like you soon will have. Its probably a job you will never have to do again on that bike.

 

[Welshman]

My 99 1150 has also never seen a "salt winter" it has over 110,000km on the clock no issues with brakes, yes at 100,000 kms I fiited braided hoses all round (including clutch) that is not "brakes" so leave them if they work

 

[Steptoe]

IHas anyone had problems with leaking Brembo caliper piston seals? I am wondering if it is worth replacing them because of their cost.


Thoughts/experiences appreciated

No need to replace them.