Hi everyone

Thanks to everyone who helped me decide about my suspension and brakes...feel better about my plans now!

So does anyone have any pointers for a newbie stripping down and re-newing the calipers? Tips, tricks and advice welcome as always...

Thanks
Kev

1. the pistons can be a pain to extract so before you remove the lines, take the pads out and pump them out as far as poss without them popping out, or use an air line (v carefully) to pop them out or buy the right tool to extract them. Machine Mart to a cheap one from memory.
2. You can use a bit of red grease on the seals to help the pistons slide back in/out. Dont use any other type of lubricant (other than brake fluid) as other greases will eat away at the rubber seals.
3. To clean, I soaked the calipers in hot soapy water then cleaned with an old toothbrush and elbow grease - for the stubborn bits or caked on brake dust someone on here (Phil) advised me to use alloy wheel acid - it works a treat. (test it somewhere first to make sure it doesnt damage anything). Worked well on mine though.
4. After you have rebuilt, they can be hard to bleed, I used the reverse bleed method using a big syringe and a piece of aquarium air line as the tube to the bleed screw - be careful though as if the line pops of etc, you will have brake fluid everywhere. I found that method worked best as the normal bleed method just wouldnt work for me.

There are plenty of posts knocking around on this though. Good luck.

Just done a set - take a look at this link:

viewtopic.php?f=62&t=40910&p=302297#p302297

Remove pistons with correct tool
Clean calipers / bracket in solvent tank
Acid dip
Pressure wash
1200 grade wet / dry pistons
Refit slider pins with fresh Loctite
Re assemble with new slider boots / seals / pad pins etc.
5.1 Putoline Fluid
CL Pads

Braking heaven ....

Cheers

GF

Hi both

Thanks for the advice.

I think I'll buy one of the piston removal tools before I strip the calipers.

GF - great advice but I don't have the ability to do 1/2 the stuff you can (acid bath etc). Do you have a service to refurb calipers? Just a back up thought if I mess up?!

I have been looking at all your suspension upgrades and will be spending my cash on these when I have some! For the rear suspension you sell its £220 for 70kg riders and £120 for 80kgs riders. Obvious question is that weight with or without kit? As I'm 74kgs without my gear which would be best for me?

Thanks again
Kev

Kev,

Just call me and I can do you a deal on some upgraded suspension ATM - and go through the best options for you.

Rider weight is with kit BTW.

Exchange recon calipers done by me - £40
(Please note I do not repaint them !)

Cheers