Servicing brake calipers

[Green Boy]

Hi all,

Realised that my brake caliper piston seals (EVO/ABS) are mostly knackers after 9 year and its time to replace them. Having cleaned them up during a service, I'm confident that I don't been to replace the pistons themselves so will only be replacing the seals.

Having done some research it looks fairly straight forward but here are a couple of potentially obvious questions that I'm going to ask:

1. is it possible to simply take the calipers off the forks, remove the pads and pump the pistons until they come out, replace the seals, refit and bleed?
2. is there a gasket between the two halves that needs to be replaced?
3. Are the bolts which hold the caliper together held with loctite?
4. Does anyone have a preferred way of doing this?

Any thoughts, tips or experiences much appreciated.

 

[The Grey One]

Get hold of the official manual if you don't already have it. I have rebuilt hundreds of calipers, the main requirement is absolute cleanliness. Clean everything up before you start dismantling, clean it again once you have it all apart. Check the pistons very carefully before deciding to re fit, if there is any doubt fit new ones- remember the old saying " having no brakes never stopped me" Better to be a little poorer than risk brake failure.

John

 

[cookie]

is it possible to simply take the calipers off the forks, remove the pads and pump the pistons until they come out, replace the seals, refit and bleed?

once the first piston is out there'll be no pressure to force the rest out. there's probably not enough room anyway.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Almost impossible to get the seals on their own

Kit is £50 ish a side

Much easier to crack the connecting bolts in place on the bike

BUT Much easier to clean and prep on the bench

There is a little O ring between the halves which is not supplied in the kit Don't loose it!

N.B. Remember if you have the servo brakes you will have to top up the reservoir under the tank!!! On NO account crack the nipple at the calliper and try and bleed as normal the servo will wreck itself if it runs dry!

 

[Green Boy]

Almost impossible to get the seals on their own

Kit is £50 ish a side

Much easier to crack the connecting bolts in place on the bike

BUT Much easier to clean and prep on the bench

There is a little O ring between the halves which is not supplied in the kit Don't loose it!

N.B. Remember if you have the servo brakes you will have to top up the reservoir under the tank!!! On NO account crack the nipple at the calliper and try and bleed as normal the servo will wreck itself if it runs dry!

Hi all,

Thanks for the hints and tips - as ever very useful. I'll give it a crack over the next couple of weekends.

Btw I did find a company who supply the seals only or individual pistons if required:

http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/bmw/r_1...kit_full_seals_caliper_-_rear_-_genuine_part/

I don't have any relationship to them etc etc just thought it might be useful in case anyone else was looking for parts.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Be careful thats the rear kit
BMW R 1150 GS/Adventure (ABS/Tokico caliper) 02-04 Rebuild Kit Full Seals Caliper - Rear - Genuine Part

Motorworks here are only £15.65 for the same kit


Fronts will be on this page LINKY

 

[monkeyboy]

Hi all,

Thanks for the hints and tips - as ever very useful. I'll give it a crack over the next couple of weekends.

Btw I did find a company who supply the seals only or individual pistons if required:

http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/bmw/r_1...kit_full_seals_caliper_-_rear_-_genuine_part/

I don't have any relationship to them etc etc just thought it might be useful in case anyone else was looking for parts.

You know those seals are for the rear mate? Strangely you don't seem to be able to get them for the front.

 

[Green Boy]

Ahem..... good point well made