1979 Harley Davidson FLH Shovelhead Banana Caliper Rebuilding HD 1080p

Now that parts have arrived the front and rear calipers, rebuilding begins. These old calipers fought to hold on to their pistons. Tried to push them out with air which didn't work. Ended up replacing the rear brake line and using good old hydraulic pressure to remove them. Sadly I received incorrect parts and damaged one piston. Follow along, see this project come together.

[@TonyLemWoodsPhillips]

I ran into the exact same problem with the seal kit. I purchased a new rear caliper from J&P Cycles. The piston and seal kit is not identical to the original calipers and kits. When the caliper needed to be rebuilt, I ordered seal kits and kept getting the wrong kits for that particular aftermarket caliper. TWICE!! I never did convince Tech Support at J&P that they were sending me the wrong seal kit so, I invested in a machinist and a bushing kit to rebuild my rear caliper system like factory original brand new. With all that said, what you have in your hand is an aftermarket caliper. I knew that when I saw the piston in the video. That kind of support from these parts companies really pee's me off. Thanks for your videos. They are enjoyable. Had my old 77 FLH 1200 for 35 years 🙂 ALSO, THE MANUAL SAYS TO USE THE BRAKE FLUID FOR THAT CALIPER TO LUBRICATE THE PARTS DURING ASSEMBLY. PLENTY SLICK ENOUGH AND NO CONFLICTING VISCOSITIES.It hurts me to watch you force that caliper and piston back together without using brake fluid for lubrication.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

That’s the issue with online ordering, there’s not a person to talk to at most places and they are always convinced that the customer is wrong. I didn’t realize that this was an aftermarket caliper and have since replaced it with a GME rear. Good to know on using brake fluid to lubricate. I will remember that in the future. Appreciate you following along and for the messages!

[@smolville]

Those calipers really squealed.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

They sure do. Glad to have a little over one on the rear

[@TonyLemWoodsPhillips]

Rockey, I usually just tighten the bleeder and then put air to the brake fluid line port. The piston always pops right out. :-)

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

These were pretty stuck and I didn’t have enough volume with my little compressor. Hopefully once the new compressor is installed, I’ll have all the air I need 😁