Curvy difficult to push

Hello there, I'm new here so greetings to everyone, I hope to have a happy stay!

Okay so here's the story...
I purchased an '02 sv650s about 2 weeks ago, the previous owner kindly delivered it to my house, as I'm still on L-plates. It's been sat in my garage since, because I'm in the process of doing my test.
When I was wheeling it into my garage, I noticed it was very difficult to push, almost as if the front brake was binding up. It occasionaly squeeks ever so slightly when pushing it.

Any ideas about what could be causing this?
Thanks in advance

[squirrel_hunter]

They shouldn't be difficult to push though you will always get a slight rub from the pads on the disc. By the sounds of it you brakes could be binding. Whats the condition/ history of the bike? And is this something you are planning to resolve yourself?

Mine did that slightly when I bought it. I renewed the seals, cleaned the brake fluid gum out from where there seals sit and it stops perfectly ever since. Also grease the piston where the lever contacts it. Really cheap to do and will take an hour.

Just to clarify, stripping down, cleaning up, replacing the seals and rebuilding the calipers will take more than an hours work and is not a noob job. Pushing the pistons out a little and giving it all a scrub and lubing parts is not too hard though.

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

They shouldn't be difficult to push though you will always get a slight rub from the pads on the disc. By the sounds of it you brakes could be binding. Whats the condition/ history of the bike? And is this something you are planning to resolve yourself?

I've nearly finished my caliper refurb (front and back). Simple in theory but will take much more than an hour if they've not been done in a few years.

My problematic list:

1) Rusted/seized pins x 4
2) Seized pistons (I had 3!!)
3) Knackered washers
4) Ruined dust seals (best replacing them all)
5) Pitted pistons (I had to replace all front pistons @ £25 each!!)
6) Uneven wear on pads (I replaced)

I'm going on about 3 evenings at the moment!

I think picking the gunk out takes the longest, but a bucket of hot soapy water and a small toothbrush sized wire brush and it was quick. you can also put the old seals in hot water whilst you do this if you want.

Originally Posted by a_monkey_hint

I've nearly finished my caliper refurb (front and back). Simple in theory but will take much more than an hour if they've not been done in a few years.

My problematic list:

1) Rusted/seized pins x 4
2) Seized pistons (I had 3!!)
3) Knackered washers
4) Ruined dust seals (best replacing them all)
5) Pitted pistons (I had to replace all front pistons @ £25 each!!)
6) Uneven wear on pads (I replaced)

I'm going on about 3 evenings at the moment!

Ouch at all that work! I guess that's going to take a while! If they're working though just not returning its not a long job with the right prep and tools assuming nothing is wrecked...

[650]

Originally Posted by rb8989

I think picking the gunk out takes the longest, but a bucket of hot soapy water and a small toothbrush sized wire brush and it was quick..

Brake cleaner worked far better and far quicker for me when I did it. Did take about half a day to do both front calipers properly though, that was a complete strip down and renewal of seals and everything lubed up properly and a brake fluid change.

Originally Posted by rb8989

I think picking the gunk out takes the longest, but a bucket of hot soapy water and a small toothbrush sized wire brush and it was quick. you can also put the old seals in hot water whilst you do this if you want.

Ouch at all that work! I guess that's going to take a while! If they're working though just not returning its not a long job with the right prep and tools assuming nothing is wrecked...

I used brake cleaner to clean mine too. Took ages due to the amount of gunk in there!

Once its done, I'll clean them annually to keep on top of it. The previous owner clearly hasn't had them off.

Just need to buy some new washers and put the oil in.

Alright so by the sounds of it I need to strip down and clean my front brake assembly?
Do I need to replace the seals if I'm just cleaning? Thanks for your replies, much appreciated!

If you're draining your break fluid to clean your pistons its advisable to replace your seals, they're cheap enough.