Front brake sticking.

Hi,

My front brake stuck on yesterday and I moved the bike forward and it unstuck but now when riding at low speeds or putting on the brakes gentley I hear a squeal from the brakes any ideas? I've checked the discs and they look clean.

Sounds like the pistons are sticking. Would be an idea to give them a service. Pistons out rubbers cleaned or replaced and new fluid. If the pistons are scored and scratched, they can pull out the rubber dust seal as the work which is normally the result of sticking pistons.

How do I service the pistons I have an idea but not 100% sure, what tools grease etc and can I re-use the seals if in good condition?

Pay attention to the caliper sliders too. They can get sticky; clean them out and replace w/new grease.

I'm sure there are threads on this sort of thing, see what the Search button reveals...

Here you go: http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.p...ticky+calipers

If it is something you have not done before, I would recommend either taking the bike to a bike mechanic to be done or find someone you trust that knows how to do it and learn from him/her. Getting it wrong is not worth contemplating.

Originally Posted by Stig_Of_The_Dump

If it is something you have not done before, I would recommend either taking the bike to a bike mechanic to be done or find someone you trust that knows how to do it and learn from him/her. Getting it wrong is not worth contemplating.

This is the winning comment

Its easy to damage things like piston surfaces

Originally Posted by Stig_Of_The_Dump

If it is something you have not done before, I would recommend either taking the bike to a bike mechanic to be done or find someone you trust that knows how to do it and learn from him/her. Getting it wrong is not worth contemplating.

I've seen it done before, but if I don't try and do it myself with a manual and my dad of cause then I'll always be relying on garages and they are expensive the ones near me charge £60-£100 per hour.

Originally Posted by SUPERSTARDJ01

I've seen it done before, but if I don't try and do it myself with a manual and my dad of cause then I'll always be relying on garages and they are expensive the ones near me charge £60-£100 per hour.

Work slow, work steady, work clean and tidily (as much as you can). If it helps, take notes, take pictures. If in doubt, ask someone. If it takes you all day but it is done correctly, thats brilliant if it takes you an hour and is done wrong, then thats crap.

I found this http://www.ehow.com/video_2328437_cl...e-caliper.html any good?

Originally Posted by SUPERSTARDJ01

I found this http://www.ehow.com/video_2328437_cl...e-caliper.html any good?

No, what he's doing there is cleaning the caliper once it's been removed from the bike, and is empty of fluid.

Servicing the caliper involves removing one caliper at a time, while leaving it plumbed into the braking system. You then slowly operate the brake to push the pistons some way (but not all the way) out of the caliper, before giving it a good clean, checking its condition and pushing it back in.

The piston can pull the seals out if there is gunk behind them.

As Ape and others have said, this is relatively simple if you know what you're doing. I'm not near Milton Keynes, so can't come and help, but others must be?