Lo-tech brake pistons cleaner

Started by WTSDS, February 28, 2011, 02:55:26 AM

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WTSDS

Rode to local servo for some fuel and a tyre pressure check and altho I'd travelled less than one kilometre I couldn't help but notice the rear brake rotor was damm hot. The 'bike has done over 40,000 km and I seldom use the rear brake. Because of the fat rear tyre it's hard to eyeball the pads but they sorta looked OK. The front pads have easily visible wear-indicator grooves. 

So back home and unhitched the caliper and took out the pads which were almost completely worn down.

Took a good peek and saw that the brake pistons were hanging out a long way and locked pretty solid. Trying to push them back in was impossible due to lotsa rusty looking crud. Obviously the pads were being jammed against the disk.

Booger, I thought, don't wanna be pulling the pistons out to clean them, maybe needing new seals, a bleed, all that stuff.

Luckily there was a dealer open Sunday and they had the pads so put things back together and rode into town 10 km's to pick up a pair. Didn't touch the rear brake but the rotor was still hot.

Back home I'm thinking what sorta cleaner or lube I'd be needing to get the pistons back in to fit the meaty new pads. Reading the Brembo brochure in the pad kit it mentioned a damp cloth to clean up the calipers. Yeah, fat chance I thought but I got a bucket of soapy water and a toothbrush and within seconds the water went black, the crud disappeared and I could push the pistons in easily.

Just thought I'd pass this on for those who spend their money on brake cleaners.
2000 Monster Dark 900 ie   Stock except for low Staintunes and a centrestand. 15:39 sprockets make for excellent highway gearing