Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? - SV650.org

Mr Speirs · 29-01-09, 11:02 AM

Hi just wanted some reassurance. Just giving the calipers a bit of a spruce.

Im currently cleaning the road dirt off the end of both pistons but can't get to the other sides. Is there any reason I shouldn't just spin them round?

Thanks

29-01-09, 11:06 AM

I'm no expert, but have always spun mine round for easier cleaning...no problems so far

Mr Speirs · 29-01-09, 11:14 AM

ok next question. Any tips on how to spin them round. Mine don't wanna spin.

29-01-09, 11:15 AM

be easier just to take them out and give them a proper clean

Mr Speirs · 29-01-09, 11:17 AM

Yeah I realise that but I am replacing the fork oil as well and need to be out on the bike saturday. I don't really have a lot of time. Its just while the calipers are hanging loose its tempting to give them a spruce.

29-01-09, 11:19 AM

i probably would worry then and wait for a time to give them a full going over another time?

Mr Speirs · 29-01-09, 11:23 AM

I will give them a full overhaul but for the time being Im just guna get them looking nice.

yorkie_chris · 29-01-09, 11:34 AM

IF they will spin then feel free, so long as you have pumped them out a bit and they are not covered in $hite where you are going to rotate them.

However, they are usually pretty tight in the bores so won't.

Better to use a bit of thin card with some solvol on it, or the serrated edge of a cable tie to clean around them.

29-01-09, 11:37 AM

YC is this a good guide to go by? They say WD40, surely thats asking for trouble...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/ad...ce/?&R=EPI-668

yorkie_chris · 29-01-09, 11:48 AM

I have seen worse "guides" (bluepoof...). That doesn't seem too bad but if they are properly seized then that type of cleaning will do sod all.

I would not use WD40 as it contains paraffin. Use a fast evaporating brake cleaner, or work dry and blow any dust off. Then use red rubber grease as you push the pistons back.

Still, there's no substitute for a proper service.

29-01-09, 11:02 AM	#1
Mr Speirs Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northampton Posts: 2,218	Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? Hi just wanted some reassurance. Just giving the calipers a bit of a spruce. Im currently cleaning the road dirt off the end of both pistons but can't get to the other sides. Is there any reason I shouldn't just spin them round? Thanks __________________ Smokey Black Burnty 02 - Racetech Smoulderlators + .90kg BBQ Springs, zx10r shockingly toasted, Conti Road Attacks heat up very nicely, R&G Crash Bungs but what f**king use are they, No Colour Matched Hugger, Flame Extenda, Beowulf Titainium Oval Flame Thrower.

29-01-09, 11:06 AM	#2
leegriffiths128 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? I'm no expert, but have always spun mine round for easier cleaning...no problems so far

29-01-09, 11:14 AM	#3
Mr Speirs Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northampton Posts: 2,218	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? ok next question. Any tips on how to spin them round. Mine don't wanna spin. __________________ Smokey Black Burnty 02 - Racetech Smoulderlators + .90kg BBQ Springs, zx10r shockingly toasted, Conti Road Attacks heat up very nicely, R&G Crash Bungs but what f**king use are they, No Colour Matched Hugger, Flame Extenda, Beowulf Titainium Oval Flame Thrower.

29-01-09, 11:15 AM	#4
arcdef Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? be easier just to take them out and give them a proper clean

29-01-09, 11:17 AM	#5
Mr Speirs Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northampton Posts: 2,218	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? Yeah I realise that but I am replacing the fork oil as well and need to be out on the bike saturday. I don't really have a lot of time. Its just while the calipers are hanging loose its tempting to give them a spruce. __________________ Smokey Black Burnty 02 - Racetech Smoulderlators + .90kg BBQ Springs, zx10r shockingly toasted, Conti Road Attacks heat up very nicely, R&G Crash Bungs but what f**king use are they, No Colour Matched Hugger, Flame Extenda, Beowulf Titainium Oval Flame Thrower.

29-01-09, 11:19 AM	#6
arcdef Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? i probably would worry then and wait for a time to give them a full going over another time?

29-01-09, 11:23 AM	#7
Mr Speirs Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northampton Posts: 2,218	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? I will give them a full overhaul but for the time being Im just guna get them looking nice. __________________ Smokey Black Burnty 02 - Racetech Smoulderlators + .90kg BBQ Springs, zx10r shockingly toasted, Conti Road Attacks heat up very nicely, R&G Crash Bungs but what f**king use are they, No Colour Matched Hugger, Flame Extenda, Beowulf Titainium Oval Flame Thrower.

29-01-09, 11:34 AM	#8
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? IF they will spin then feel free, so long as you have pumped them out a bit and they are not covered in $hite where you are going to rotate them. However, they are usually pretty tight in the bores so won't. Better to use a bit of thin card with some solvol on it, or the serrated edge of a cable tie to clean around them. __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

29-01-09, 11:37 AM	#9
plowsie Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? YC is this a good guide to go by? They say WD40, surely thats asking for trouble... http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/ad...ce/?&R=EPI-668

29-01-09, 11:48 AM	#10
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: Caliper Pistons: Ok to Spin? I have seen worse "guides" (bluepoof...). That doesn't seem too bad but if they are properly seized then that type of cleaning will do sod all. I would not use WD40 as it contains paraffin. Use a fast evaporating brake cleaner, or work dry and blow any dust off. Then use red rubber grease as you push the pistons back. Still, there's no substitute for a proper service. __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat Last edited by yorkie_chris; 29-01-09 at 11:51 AM.

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