Brake caliper overhaul

[jimblob]

Hi everyone,

I’m back with more caliper questions!!

I’m overhauling the seized calipers on my RD350R. After removing the pistons and seals I was wondering what tips anyone’s got for cleaning all the old crud and crap out of the grooves where the seals sit. I’m concerned about damaging the caliper material.

Also if the pistons aren’t pitted what’s the best way to clean the crud off them without damaging the surface. If they are rusty/pitted on the inside would you replace them anyway?

Thanks very much 👍

Jim

[mak595]

i use a small pick or a small brass wheel in a dremel for the groves, for pistons, i use wire wool then a smear of red rubber grease on reassembly

[jimblob]

Thanks for your reply.

So would any tool made of brass wood or plastic be ok to use without causing further damage?

Cheers

Jim

[shaunthe2nd]

As long as you are careful and not too heavy handed you should be ok.
I use a steel seal pick to get the worst, then a brass wire brush to finish off. Just take your time and don't dig in too hard.

[JonW]

Same as the others. they take way more cleaning than you expect to be properly clean.

If you can get some alubrite or something else that eats alloy corrision that will help. I use that at the end to clean off the last bits.

[jimblob]

Thanks for your advice guys.

I’ll take it slow and steady.

Jim 👍

[JonW]

get a small mirror like those on a stick as well and all sorts of angled picks, you need to remove as much of the corrosion in the seal lands as possible or the pistons will be tight. Its the corrosion that swells under the seals and then locks the pistons 'out' in use that is often the problem with calipers. Ive found that the harder the pistons are to remove, the worse the corrosion is.

[jimblob]

Thanks for that jonw.

I’ve just ordered a few picks etc on fleabay. 👍