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Help Why do calipers seize?

Discussion in 'Honda 250cc In-line 4's' started by jazzhunt, Jul 7, 2016.

  1. jazzhunt

    jazzhunt Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I'm just planning ahead for when I start work on the MC22.....
    When I went to roll it out of the way to work on the VTR forks, one of the front calipers had seized. It freed up enough the following day to move again but only barely.
    I had already intended to replace the pads and fluid but now I'm wondering if I have to replace anything else in the calipers.
    The bike, as I said earlier, has been sitting for a significant time but does that mean that the calipers seize just because of assorted crap on the pads or is there another reason?
    Any insight would be appreciated, thanks.
     
  2. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Corrosion. Old brake fluid will have a high percentage of water and thus higher chance of corrosion. Any crud in the brake system will also settle at the lowest point - the calipers and brake pistons. Road salt is another issue but we don't get that here in oz. Sitting in the salt air can do it. Road debris getting behind the pads and scoring the brake pistons, eventually ruining the seals etc.
     
  3. jazzhunt

    jazzhunt Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Thanks, @Linkin , once the work starts I'll do the right thing and get new seals as well, in that case :)
     
  4. ruckusman

    ruckusman White Mans Magic Master Premium Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    sometimes the fluid that makes it's way between the seals dries out also

    Usually disassembling and cleaning them does the trick
     
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  5. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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  6. jazzhunt

    jazzhunt Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Thanks @kiffsta , that looks like a great addition to the tool box :) Yep, I will be contacting @XCite Bikes as there are a few things I'd like to get from him but it will have to wait a few weeks as there are limited $ floating around at the moment :)
     
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  7. PhilMeUp

    PhilMeUp Active Member

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  8. pkay

    pkay Junk Accumulator

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    Calliper fix is easy. Get yourself an o-ring pick to get the old seals out without damaging the surfaces. Use rubber grease and the pistons will slide back in easy - if they are corroded don't try to be cheap and reuse chuck them. Check and clean the master cylinmder while it's apart and check the condition of your hoses too. Clean out the splitter and the hose ends if you reuse them. And use a torque wrench to do the callipers and banjo bolts back up when you're finished. Bleeding is easy too if a little painful. You'll be surprised the difference it makes - you'll be pulling stoppies every time you pull up......
     
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