Brakes- a reminder to sevice them often

So- I've been putting stripping down the brakes since about October last year (they were last stripped down Jan/Feb 0.

As of last week, the back started making that regular swishing noise that makes one think "Hmmm- maybe I need to do this asap!".

So took the plunge today- it took me half the time for the rear caliper this time (last time was all weekend, due to some seriously seized pistons!). Partly due to lots of grease going on last time and topped up in Dec when replacing pads.

Common sense stuff first- loosen ALL bolts before it comes off the hanger (the bolts that hold the 2 sides of the caliper together were well stiff- I may need to replace them next time before they round right off) and remove pads and pump the pistons out before releasing them.

First thing I found- inner pad (closest to wheel) has got no pad left!!

Did I mention that they were replaced in December? 6 months!! As the title of this thread says- service them often. I reckon it's been seizing over a number of months before it became noticeable.

That said, I use the rear pads quite a lot- but I doubt that I use them enough to eat them in 6 months!

So- got the pistons clean (relatively- have no autosol, but they look pretty good). All the seals greased up and back in and the pistons in.

Got the caliper back on- lovely. Took AAAGES bleeding the fluid through. Got it all into the rear bleed nipple (that's a major pain in the arris that one!- I envy SV owners with their calipers above the swingarm).

Then nothing was coming out of the front one. Oh.

Pulled it out- where's the holes? Had to clean it with a sewing needle- was caked up right through!

So- now I've got a nice clean, serviced caliper and need a new set of pads...
Gonna have to go easy on that back brake for the next few days..


Next week it'll be the front brakes I think. Hopefully they'll be a touch easier!

(I'm sure DirtyDog will have something to say on this- as he helped me with the front brakes last year- 8 hours it took the pair of us!!)

Edit- Service. SERVICE!! How does one sevice ANYTHING?!! D'oh! I think I've got sunstroke...

Sounds like you had as much hassle as i did doing mine, although i ended up buying a new rear caliper (well new to me) and new bolts, pins, seals and rubber boots as they were all abit gone! I dont look forward to bleeding them again next time .

I think if you do them once a year at least, then at least you get the practice at bleeding!!

I may get a spare rear caliper- it really does seem to be the one to suffer most.

I'll check SV Spares- though their list of offered parts has shrunk for Curvies- maybe bits are drying up now, or maybe fairings etc are so rarely in sellable condition that they probably treat them on a "phone us- if we've got it you can have it" basis..

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by thedonal

Next week it'll be the front brakes I think. Hopefully they'll be a touch easier!

(I'm sure DirtyDog will have something to say on this- as he helped me with the front brakes last year- 8 hours it took the pair of us!!)

I still have nightmares about those calipers!!!!!

Originally Posted by arcdef

Sounds like you had as much hassle as i did doing mine, although i ended up buying a new rear caliper (well new to me) and new bolts, pins, seals and rubber boots as they were all abit gone! I dont look forward to bleeding them again next time .

Your calipers were easy to work on compared to Donals

I don't blame you! I'm still well grateful for your time and help!

still- at least your piston pliers were intact after working on the front calipers. I destroyed a pair on the rear one last year! Fortunately, pumping them out and a bit of compressed air did the trick this time...

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by thedonal

still- at least your piston pliers were intact after working on the front calipers.

They lasted for one more use and then I binned them

I have to admit- I don't think they're the sturdiest of tools. Though I remember you mentioning that a more durable set would be closer to £100?

Mr Donal man, how many miles a year do you do?

My bike is 4 years old, only on 2nd set of pads. 28,000miles.

But seeing as you are a self confirmed pro, you can do mine
I know mine need doing as the travel gets less half way thru a ride (weak return on seals)

Yeah- I can give you a hand :P

I do about 8-9k miles a year, all weather. So I should get off my backside more often and do them!

Sounds like your seals may have come out of the grooves- that can cause havoc with your pads that can!

Plan is, if the bike is staying, braided hoses & caliper rebuild. Probably have to check the discs too.

*sounds expensive, this is just giving me more ammumition to P/X