Delboy's Garage, Motorcycle Front Brake Caliper Rebuild Part 2.

[@omblae]

Del mate, sorry to bother you again but just wanted to say I've been having this sticky front brake issue ever since I got my bike and ran across this video - thought it sounded verryyy similar so went and got the front wheel in the air, spun it and found the wheel was binding. After taking each calliper off i narrowed it down to the left side calliper, bought some seals and thought i'd give it a crack... And it bloody worked!! Salt and crud was all in the seals just like you said, cleared it out popped the new ones in (the right way round!) and brakes are absolutely perfect now! Saved me 100 quid in garage labour, I feel proud as all sin and I feel like I understand how my brakes work now. Honestly mate, I know I comment on just about all of your videos but I just wanted to give my thanks to you and Pen once again for your help - I just wouldn't have even touched it if it weren't for your vids!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, wow that is magnificent! That is exactly why we load the videos up and for no other reason, to keep our fellow riders safe and save you money... so to hear this makes us other very happy indeed! Well done to you mate, it takes a great leap of faith to attack something you don't know about that is safety related, you could even go as far as to say that it is, in fact, a courageous thing to do! So good on yer fellah, you should be proud of yourself... always drop me a line if you need any tips or advice, we're always happy to help! Ride safe, Del & Penny

[@iplayrealguitar8]

You are. Without doubt. The most helpful, most knowledgable, honest decent bloke doing motorcycle related videos on here, just did this on my bandit today on the front calipers, using only your video for reference.. Took me about an hour or so all together, brakes working beautiful. Got charged 70 quid to have my rear calliper refurbed the time before the last time it fucked up.. Thank you.

[@richardmeaney325]

One of the best and interesting instructionals I have ever viewed. Well done to you all . I'm now a dedicated follower of Delboy! I'm 40 years a bike man.

[@Moonfleet41]

Welcome aboard, thank you very much for your kind words!

[@scottmurray5600]

I absolutely loved these two videos. it gave me the knowledge to service my Kawasaki ZZR-1100 brakes. The brakes were binding badly after about 18 months riding and it was costing me a fortune through a garage to get serviced properly. Now it's a cheap repair, takes a reasonable amount of time and I understand a wee bit more about how my bike works. THANK YOU Del Boy, you are a real gentleman. WHY is this not taught to bikers?

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey buddy, I guess nobody in the industry... (the industry that's set up to make money from us that is)... is gonna be too eager to tell you how to sidestep their workshop charges, but I see it just as housekeeping and something we should all get involved in, if we can! Good on yer mate, and thanks for your support... ride safe, Del

[@belleviewable]

Cheers Del re watched this and "essential winter brake cleaning". All set now your videos are some of the very best on the internet.Thanks a bunch!

[@dvsamsmith]

thanks del, the way in which you explain things is very easy to understand. I've rebuilt my rear calliper last year using your other vid with success, watched this to refresh my memory, i'll get cracking on the front now, many thanks, sam

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with it Sam, give us a shout if you get stuck... glad we can help!

[@matthewkirk89]

I've been watching your videos for the last few days, absolutely brilliant! I've now got the confidence to do my own servicing. I spent this afternoon cleaning out the calipers, pressed too hard on a piston and one shot out spewing fluid all over the floor. With your rebuid video I was able to calmly swear and then get the job done with minimal mess. Thanks!

[@Moonfleet41]

Jolly well done Sir! Not just for taking on the job yourself, but for rescuing it when it went a bit wrong... the biggest fear is the fear of the unknown and the worry of being stuck, then having to turn to a professional at great expense... but it's never that hard, if you calmy look at it and ask yourself 'how hard can it be?'! Thanks mate, Del

[@TheIcegoblin]

Just overhauled my front Brembo callipers on my Triumph, your video guides gives us self servicing bikers the confidence to do the work ourselves and save pounds. Thank you Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, glad the videos can help you out.. always drop us a line if you need to, happy to help ,ate.. Del.

[@mstrachan27]

Out of all the video's on KZbin this is the best by a country mile, great help Thank you

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done Tom, thats why we make the videos so guys can get their bikes safe and on the road without huge costs....take care and well done again for getting it done yourself... ride safe, Del.

[@theworth123]

Hi Del, first class vids and instruction, well done! I'm an ex-pat living in Bulgaria always thought a Triumph Bonneville would suit me me here on the Black Sea coast but with no dealerships or parts available and my lack of practical knowledge it was always going to be a thought, or so I thought, then I found your brilliant vids and instruction. I plan to go to Blighty and bring back a Bonneville with the parts I think I'd need and take the plunge. Thanks to you my thoughts and dreams can become a reality. Cheers and take care. Tony.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Tony, what a heart warming story... it is an honour to be able to play a small part in fulfilling your dreams... always feel free to contact us, any time, as we're always happy to help... and remember, you can always post off for parts through the wonders of the inter-web! Make sure you check out TEC Bike Parts ... as they have an enormous source of great extras for your Bonneville, give a great service and at real world prices... good luck and ride safe, my friend, enjoy oyour Bonnie, all the best, Del & Penny

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate,yes you can split the caliper to get the pads out,it works just fine..clean & copper slip them afterwards so you don't have to split the caliper every time you replace the pads...most seal kits come without joint seals and yes, you can re-use them if they are ok and no, no sealant, just fit them dry...good luck with it, take care, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Ady,if you rotate the caliper,once the bolts are out,in a flat rotational action like a jam jar lid as opposed to rolling back & forth,then you can use plenty of force..if the pads won't move because it's jammed solid,then slipt the caliper whilst it's on the disc & take it off in 2 halves,just don't risk warping the disc with too much welly! Good luck with it, Del

[@titimustv]

Cheers Del, found some, I'm doing 6 pots so they cost a bit more than £11 unfortunately. I bought a Laser piston removal tool which made pulling out the stiff pistons without damaging them very easy. I've also made a scraper from a piece of scrap aluminium. A mates got an ultra sonic bath so once I've got the worst of the corrosion off I'll get him to drop the caliper halves in for a soak. Thanks again for your help, gave me much more confidence to get on with the job. Tim

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate,first job break the hydraulics,take the banjo off the caliper & remove the bleed nipples,take out the caliper bolts & rotate the entire caliper gently to snuggle the pads back a touch,if this fails & is truly seized,simply spilt the caliper in situ,take out the 4 bolts that hold the 2 halves of caliper together,it will fall in half & come off.Soak the halves in boiling water to expand the alloy & work the pistons out by rotating them with soft jawed pliers,good luck with it,take care Del

[@nickkaratatis3780]

Mate I know this is an old video but I just wanted you to know that it is still helping people! I just discovered your channel and wanted to also say a big thank you for what you do. Nick. Melbourne, Australia.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Nick, good to hear from you mate, and welcome aboard. We hope that life in Oz if getting back to normal in some way now, we've been riveted to the news covering the fires, and cannot believe the devastation... God speed to you all down under and keep in touch.. Del.

[@jembo1959]

I am working on a 94 Honda Steed 400 and was working on the front caliper next, you could not have explained this any better I have the whole lot stripped and ready for new parts, thanks very much great videos 1 and 2.

[@Moonfleet41]

jimmy galloway Nice one Jimmy, glad it helped you out mate... good luck with it.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Alex,well done on tackling this much feared job,but it truly isn't that hard...I do have some good news for you too...as long as the pads are operating on & off and not binding then there is no need for a rebuild. The squealing is caused by super high frequency vibration of the pads against the disc, not dis-similar to rubbing a wet finger round the top of a glass jar..take the pads out,smear some copper grease on the BACK,& pop them back in,this absorbs the vibes & stops the squeal.Good Luck

[@Moonfleet41]

Excellent work, Tim, impressed that you've invested in some proper tooling, take your time and enjoy the job, it's another facet to your biking hobby and should be enjoyed in it's own right - let me know how you get on, Del

[@tttrevin]

I just rebuilt my calipers tonight thanks to your videos. Thank you so much!

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped buddy, it's just good housekeeping aye?!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate....appreciate your kind comments.. and yeah, copperslip is fine, we use that expressly because it doesnt melt and run onto the brakes.! just done use too much, a light smear is all you need. good luck, Del.

[@design3955]

Hello!!! I have a Bandit like yours here in Brazil, and I say one thing, you already helped me a lot with your videos, congratulations !!! Keep it up!!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank You Eduardo, that's very kind of you, we're glad we could reach out and help! Ride safe, and thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated!

[@gregritchie1758]

Hi Delboy, I nice, nice job describing the processes in takes 1&2. I've never done brakes and you have taken the mystique out of the process. It all now makes total sense. Thanx a bunch for your help. I've book marked your video and will look for more help on other topics in the near future.

[@Moonfleet41]

Plumbing...no worries.... Realtionships...? You're gonna have to ask Penny Pitstop for that, but we've made 26 years so far, so no bad i guess...! thanks for watching mate, and im glad you are taking up the spanners... nowt like doing it yourself.. Good luck, Del.

[@M1K3R0LPH]

Really starting to appreciate your 'how to' videos, especially being a new rider. What you mention at the end is spot on too, the more you can diagnose and fix things will make you more aware and ultimately stay out of trouble (plus bragging rights). Bit late, but well deserved on getting in with Discovery.

[@Moonfleet41]

A sure fire method is to 'up end' the system, take the calipers off, hang them on the roof of the garage above the MC,stick a chunk of old number plate between the pads to be the disc & then bleed them upwards,you're not working against physics & fighting the air trying to push the fluid back up, trying to pump fluid downwards is the problem, this way it should bleed first time.If this doesn't work, you may need to prime the hoses first by sucking fluid into them through the bottle,good luck Del

[@randolph50]

It's funny. I've watched so many of your videos now, that I hear your voice while I'm working on my bike. :-)

[@Moonfleet41]

Why thank you most kindly sir, its a pleasure to help, and i really appreciate the support... take care, and ride safe, Del.

[@zdlr500]

Hey Dellboy. Just wanted to say thanks very much for the vids. Had a problem with my front brakes seizing on my sv650. This being my first bike i didnt know much, but I totally stripped them down, cleaned and put new seals in them. Looking forward to removing my back caliper for a clean. Thanks again

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Kris, ok, not a problem, got what you mean now ...if they are not squealing (which is what the copper grease is all about), but instead is actually a 'groinching' judder then it could be something loose...check all fasteners thoroughly on discs and calipers, check you have the correct pads and if need be take them out and face them off by draw filing them with a flat, fine file... check also for any fluid leaks from the seals or joints & let me know how you get on with that lot! Del

[@sunnyjames1117]

Thank you for posting this 2 part video, it is really very informative if someone is working on their motorcycle brakes , saves the hassle and time running around for parts. Thanks a lot, i thought i might have to replace my caliper and assembly, but ended up rebuilding it.

[@Moonfleet41]

You're welcome buddy, glad it could help you out, all the best, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done matey, and good on you for getting stuck in.. its only house keeping after all...good luck with it and let me know if you get stuck.. take care..Del.

[@robertwhite9013]

Hi del. thanks the help' I changed the seals done a rebuild they was in bad condition the aluminium was bit pitted behind the seal. I injoyed doing the stripping an cleaning. Followed you instructions putting them back together an bled brakes up. The bikes in poor condition some one used it in all weather!. Got some wheel bearings for next job, Good videos keep up the good work!.

[@Moonfleet41]

+robert white Thanks Robert, glad you got all the jobs done, glad the videos can help you out.. appreciate you taking the time to let us know, always feel free to drop us a line if you need a tip or two! All the best, Del

[@MrAmikeymonkey]

great video - handy tip on seals to orientate them correctly - I put the fluid tube from the bleed nipple into a small plastic bottle and zip tie it to the wheel

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate. if its moving then at least its serviceable and you can ride with it, it will work ok...but if there is corrosion in there it wont ever get much better..corrosion doesn't heal..lol..and if you took the time to rebuild it, even though its not critical right now, you would be rewarded with a caliper that operates like new..and that will last for a few years before it need attention again..plus also, you can often 'catch' the terminal corrosion early and prevent the need for a new piston

[@Moonfleet41]

Also once you have rebuilt the calipers, remember there is only the fluid in them to replace, the hoses will still be full of fluid provided you stopped it running out.....with the red rubber lube..NO, first its not HT grease and will melt onto the discs, and it will also collect dust and grit to form even more crud to jam them up again. calipers must be bone dry, that way the dirt rinses off.. hope that helps mate, let me know if you get stuck, im happy to help.. Good luck, Del.

[@eshu918]

Thank you for posting this vid. Been debating tackling this job for a while. Pads changed brakes bled still suffering from lack of feel . This video makes it clear to me the probable issue. Im on it Thanks again!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Anne. If you've emptied the system, you'll always struggle to get the system refilled from dry, easiest way is to prime the hose first by sucking some fluid into it manually, then bolt it back on and it will be much easier to pump the new fluid though once there are just little bits of air left. once you get it going, the method is to pump the lever a few times, hold it in to the bar, then 'open-and-close' the nipple, this way you pressurize the line which creates suction to help it bleed up

[@eddiexblue]

Excellent tutorial - and you may have just saved me from brake failure! Just rebuilt a set of Brembos and having watched your video I was concerned about my 'bodgyness' so I took the caliper apart again. Guess what? One of the seals was in the wrong way round! Eek! I thank you - off to watch the rest of your episodes!

[@Moonfleet41]

Well spotted Eddie, glad you noticed it in time. Thanks for watching and ride safe.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing Steve, thats why we post them up, it makes me happy and content to know that you are getting something meaningful from it, and can take those first steps to keeping your own bike on the road and your money in your pocket rather than handing it over to the dealer by the bucketful. thanks for taking the time to comment buddy, and ride safe, Del.

[@johnkimble1647]

Thanks Del. This was really helpful in alleviating my fear of doing a caliper rebuild.

[@Moonfleet41]

John Kimble Most welcome John, glad it can help you mate... good luck with yours.. Del.

[@garrymuir1442]

Fantastic, step by step, informative videos. Certainly given me confidence to do it my self and stop paying though the nose to stealership. You've got me hooked on you videos, best of seen so far.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, thanks Gary, you are too kind mate.. im glad you like them and can make use of the videos to save some beer vouchers... stay safe buddy, and thanks for wathicng... Del.

[@m2895]

I wish I had watched this guide before I started. Had a bloody mare of a time! Stripped calipers, cleaned thoroughly and bought new seals but still have sticky pistons. Shall take pistons out and see if seals are right way round.

[@elliott212]

Thanks Del. Just rebuilt my Sportster front caliper. Pistons were seized just like yours. Symptom was pulsing brakes. Lesson for me was not to assume disc runout. Also, Harley say not to lube pistons with brake fluid as this will increase lever travel. I used the grease that was supplied with the rebuild kit. Cheers.

[@Moonfleet41]

Good to hear it mate, I always use red rubber grease when I assemble calipers, it also conditions the rubber and helps keep it soft... glad you got yours done!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi CJ.. thanks for the approval mate, most people find anything related to brakes a scary subject, just wanted to dispel some of the myths... thanks for watching, Del.

[@jamesmedcalf9920]

Hi just watched both parts to this video, I have Honda VT500E 1985. with inboard sticking front brakes, this has giving me the confidence to service them myself, actually looking forward to doing this now. just going to order seal kit for bike. Should of done this housekeeping when had forks off to put new seals in. many thanks for the video. cheers jamie

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Jamie, those inboard discs are very unique! And sometimes suffer with clogging up cos they are hard to wash out ... good luck with it mate, hope it works out well...!

[@jamesmedcalf9920]

job done. followed your tips with removing the brake pistons with with bike inner tube, noting the way the seals come out. Making sure the seating for the seals all all clean, needless to say mine weren't as this Honda vt500e was a garage find.brakes work great now. Thanks for the tips and info cheers jamie

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, thanks mate, as long as i dont have to wear makeup, that would be very sad...lol.. thanks for watching chap, and good luck nailing the chompers back together.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Mike, Thats right, intimate familiarity with your bike and its condition is a great way to be, the more you have fettled and fiddled with yourself, the closer you are to knowing when something is about to let go... and that keeps you safe... Thanks for watching buddy,, Del.

[@brandywell44]

Ive always had trouble bleeding brakes and only eventually succeeded when Ive reverse flow bled them. Im going to try this pumping the lever a few times before each opening of the bleed nipple and see if it works for me. Thanks for the tip. Top man for sharing your skills, Im really enjoying your catalogue of videos, thankyou. FYI My last bike was a Harley Sportster but mostly I was into Moto Guzzi 948cc v-twins but had a few power screen Suzukis and all these bikes were not so much for riding but for enjoying tinkering with. Last year I got back into bikes and bought a brand new Yamaha Vity 125cc, my first scooter and a great bike, and had a great time riding the lanes around here in North Warwickshire. A month ago my dealer Tamworth Yamaha (top bunch of people) offered me a great deal that I just couldnt refuse on a brand new older model 250 Xmax and Im enjoying that (though not the salt and sand its covered with after riding). First service this Friday at the dealer after 600 miles running in. Riding a bike...the next best thing to flying.

[@slimeroad]

Hi Del and Penny, Your videos are really clear and well edited. Thanks very much for doing this. I particularly like the little details that an amateur generally wouldn't know about; for example the bungy strap to hold up the banjo. I would have ended up with a rag underneath to catch the excess and therefore have used more fresh fluid than necessary.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, just a little common sense I suppose, and it keeps the working time down on any given job!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, seals just came from a random bike supplier on E-Bay, search them by bike and should be few to choose from - good luck with the job, take your time and you'll get it sussed, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, you are most welcome, the aim is to just spread the old school knowledge that once upon a time was passed from father to son, and biker to biker, but these days with ever more reliable and user friendly bikes it seems that riders are turning to dealers to do basic work while they have a coffee in the waiting room, and of course...pay the bill.This is a real shame as keeping your bike in tip top fettle and doing that basics yourself is all part of the fun of bike ownership. good luck Del

[@Spike-rj6ye]

absolutely fantastic, Im just about to rebuild my gs500f front caliper and had no idea about the seal orientation. saved me a crashed bike my friend!

[@simonaustin280]

Hay del your video help so much just rebuilt my front and rear callipers on my honda RR1 with no problems thanks bud.

[@jamesdutton6406]

Another fantastic video keeping it simple great explanations throughout

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Mark... thats mad money mate, what are they gold plated..lol.. no, we paid about £12 for the back two pot....and got them from ebay, they were 'pattern' not genuine but they are still working fine after 10k miles... good luck with the job, take your time and make a good job of it.. cheers, Del.

[@randolph50]

Dude! You are awesome. Too damn bad I didn't watch this 2 days ago. I am rebuilding the forks and front brakes on a 82 Honda VF750S and it was time to take the calipers apart. 2 of the 4 pistons in the 2 calipers were stuck and I had a hell of a time getting them out. I finally put them back on the bike and c-clamped the 2 free piston and forced the other 2 out like you did. UNFORTUNATELY, I stupidly tried to pull on them with pliers first, without knowing the old inner tube trick. Yes. I left bite marks and now need to buy 2 new pistons. Having all tubeless tires, I don't have any old inner tubes lying around but I will visit the tire shop and see if they have any. It seems like an indispensable asset to have handy.

[@Moonfleet41]

Bad luck mate, isn't it always thew way, we learn things just after we need them most... never mind... the best place to source them is a cycle shop, just buy a bicycle tube, they are cheap and easy to buy, and you'll get years of use from it... thanks for your kind words buddy, you are very kind.. take care and ride safe.. Del.

[@ryis4812]

Yes master don. Your advice is clear, I'm now gonna do mine. Looking at caliper sales, even a secondhand pair cost around the £200 mark.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Pete, Are you asking me to explain how to bleed the brakes up..?, its all in the video, i covered it step by step....what wasn't clear mate?, let me know in a PM, and ill see if i can help, thanks for watching, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Neil, i guess they have to make a living, and jobs like this take a fare old time to get right, the quality of the result is in the time spent being meticulous and getting it spotless... to time costs, and thats where the money goes.. Love the Honda mate, saw the video.. keep going, you'll be out on the road soon.. take care, Del.

[@mclennan1024]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel and what your doing is fantastic, Brake calipers always scared me but you explained it in a simple manor that it was easy to understand..Many thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

Well done Robert, thats the way, there is nothing better then doing a few jobs on your bike for yourself....good luck with it, and thanks for the sub.. take care, Del.

[@russbug3766]

I Have a Kawasaki zx6r J1 it has 6 pistons in each caliper and every single piston is sticking so today is caliper strip and clean day, i watched your vids and although i do have the knowledge to do mine its always good to refer to your vids just for that extra idea or too and i have to say your tips are spot on. gonna have your motorbiking babies

[@torks2339]

Perfect explanation thank you Del. I did my bobbins yesterday from another of your tutorials which didn't cure my slightly binding discs so I looked at the calipers today. Absolutely no meat left on the pads and the pistons covered in cr*p so it's rebuild time for me and thanks to that video I'm not worried at all about it now. Looking forward to it in fact. Just done all my ordering off ebay now so I'm well sorted for the build. Luckily I'm just on a 2 piston caliper (99 Bandit) so a quick job I think.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Tor, you may get away with having to re-build it, provided the dust seals aren't poking out and they are still working freely, just do the good old deep clean bu scrubbing round the pistons to make the walls of them spotlessly clean before you push them back all the way in, and just fit the new pads.. you could even get away with it and not have to re-build them at all! Good luck with it mate, Del

[@torks2339]

Moonfleet41 Thanks Del. I ordered new seals anyway so it's all ready to go. Just a quick question. Is it worth bleeding the brakes until all new fluid goes through rather than just topping up? Few other vids I watched said the fluid should be crystal clear when coming out. I've not seen my old fluid yet so can't comment on whether it's "gone stale".

[@Moonfleet41]

***** Brake fluid starts to detoirate and absorb moisture from the moment you break the seal on the bottle, and after 2yrs or less, it should be changed no matter what... I've always found the best method to change it is to use kitchen towel to soak out the contents of the resevior until it's almost dry, then fill it with fresh and pump that down through till it runs clear out the bottom... good luck with it, hope that helps, Del

[@torks2339]

Thank you Del. I really appreciate your time. Currently going through ALL your project Bandit vids and loving it! Really gets me going on all my little projects for my B6 too.

[@Moonfleet41]

***** You're most welcome Tor, glad you're enjoying the videos. Take care and ride safe buddy... Del.

[@Blahde]

I changed my Pads just on Saturday and if I'm honest, one of the pistons was a bit more.... reluctant compared to the others;-) I cleaned em but I wasn't 100% happy. Maybe 95% ;-) So, you've inspired me to do it properly. Off down the shops to get some new seals. Top vids Del, really!!!

[@Villachai]

Another great tutorial. I think you have explained my brake problem I asked on your other video what could cause a binding or intermittent biting motion in my brakes cause a non smooth brake with my front calipers. Time to rebuild my calipers.

[@Moonfleet41]

Maybe not mate..i just replied to that, try cleaning the bobbins first and chuck in some new pads...then is that doesnt do it, you can rebuild the calipers.... Good luck with it.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks chap, make sure yo get some new fluid too, and lots of clean rags too...go get stuck in mate, let me know how you get on... cheers, Del.

[@kunalkhanna985]

Very informative and detailed. Kudos Del. I saw lots of other videos that were informative but not detailed like yours. I feel I can do the job now after seeing your videos part 1 n 2. As always, keep up the good work!

[@martinloftus164]

Cheers for that I was having a bit of a panic about this job ! And there is no need ! Great videos

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Martin, glad it helps you, let me know if you run in to any problems, happy to help! Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks for your kind comments, mate, good luck with your project, good to know we could help!

[@Moonfleet41]

Easy one Dave, and very common, just split the caliper in situ, thus breaking the two halves away from the disc laterally rather than trying to slide it off... works every time... just take a good quality alun tool (preferable the type that come fixed into a socket, and break the thread on the caliper bolts with a firm, sharp, crack... should work a treat... good luck Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Phuq YES its damn dangerous buddy, it will jam a piston up solid and lock the brakes on..get them done right now. I just use a finger dab of brake fluid to lube the seals into place, you can use a very light smear of grease or rubber lube too, anything is better than fitting them dry,it helps with assembly. i feel that if you just use brake fluid then you have NO contaminants, but grease wont contaminate to any determent, so either way is good,and red lube is silicon based and prevents perishing

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, sounds like a great project, I've seen bikes with the calipers accented & they look great! Remember they get hot, so would be good to use a nice gloss heat-proof engine enamel & this would prevent them from peeling off & ruining all your hard work... good luck with it, Cheers, mate, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, your mother has great taste then..lol. thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.. cheers, Del.

[@stevensteel8617]

Thanks very much for yet another confidence inspiring video. Before I do any work on the bike now I have a little look to see if you have a video on it. You help me to avoid some of the pitfalls. This week I have changed my fork seals, bushes and oil, my front bearings and my rear brake disc and pads. The calipers were very dirty though and not all pistons move freely so I have ordered some kits for all three calipers. My calipers are only single sided on my 2007 Honda NT700VA-7 so they are somewhat easier to disassemble but following your advice I hope to refurbish my calipers in just a few days. I actually got my kits from M&P via Ebay. The technique for bleeding will be very helpful too. Thanks again and have a great new year!

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome my friend, good luck with your project and have a Happy New Year!

[@JamesF908]

Another very helpful video. I watched your winter cleaning one other day so went to clean mine. They were FILTHY! I've had my bike for just 8 months and don't know how long it sat before this, luckily only one piston is stuck (the seal has actually came out with the piston partially, its kind of wedged between the caliper and piston but sticking out in one corner lol thats not good! Bike is now grounded! Will try pulling piston out and putting new seals in. Thanks for another great video, very helpful, really appreciate these videos. You must be saving novice bikers hundreds of pounds on garage labour costs.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, saving biker's money is our aim as nothing we do is truly main dealer or garage stuff, it's just house keeping you can do at home. What's sticking out of your caliper is the dust seal, it's very common and the salt water leaves residue in the groove behind it which builds up over time and pushes the dust seal out, so yes, pull the piston out, clean the groove out with a tiny screw driver and then re-fit it all with new seals... also, you may as do the others whilst you are there as the seals come in a kit! Good luck with it mate, Del

[@troydelkelvic7624]

Hi Del, thought id let you know how things progressed with the brakes, I stripped down each caliper, removed all the seals, decided to get them shotblasted and powder coated, they came back looking absolutely mint! Have since replaces the pots and seals, and are working brilliantly! Tried them out yesterday and crikey what a difference...pretty sharp braking! Your vid gave me confidence in doing the work, so cheers for that!! Best wishes Spence

[@Moonfleet41]

Nice one Spence, i love to hear that people have made a practical use of the videos and saved a few bob along the way too.... thanks for watching buddy, and take care... all the best.. Del.

[@01clive1]

Hi Del thanks for mentioning about the callipers to not place them in a vice as iv seen done on some vids im glad i searched and found yours cheers mate

[@Moonfleet41]

You're most welcome mate, thanks for watching.. Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

As odd as it may sound, before you go bleeding the hydraulics spin and clean the disc bobbins thoroughly and get the calipers spotlessly clean too, the idea being, to make sure that the hardware is operating properly before you get involved in pumping the juice..also you can bungy a lever in against the bar over night, which will pressurise the system and forces tiny bubbles up to the master cylinder and out - give that a try and see how you go, Del

[@kenspong4082]

I just did a caliper rebuild arfter swaping out my forks on my zxr 250 thanks for your vid helped me heaps

[@fazerthofzs9123]

thanks delboy you are a star ! was not looking forward to doing this watch vid job done thanks again neil

[@Moonfleet41]

NIce one Neil, makes you feel epic to do it yourself eh?... ride safe fellah...

[@Moonfleet41]

Ayup Kyle. good on you for getting stuck in mate....i dont know the seal size in measurement...but if you just search for "seals for a 600 bandit"...tjhe ones listed will be the right size...easy.... Good luck with it buddy, and thanks for oyur kind comments... Del.

[@monomakes]

Thanks for getting back to me Del. Much appreciated. I'll be posting more videos on my channel (there are already a couple) of my progress as soon as things get started again. G

[@pleasetakemynamenow]

They are stealerships not dealerships, get it right :) just got my brakes bleed last night. 30 year old break houses were swelling and not building up pressure.replaced the hoses and bob is your uncle... 5mm from bring on the road. Because of info like yours.good work as always

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment...ride safe, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers mate... glad the videos help, that's why we post them up... ride safe, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

If it's so badly stuck that the hydraulics won't move it with all the others G-clamped hard & held still,then the only other sanction you have is to strip the caliper in half,get all the others out the way & use heat to try expanding the soft aluminium casting away from the steel piston,try first dropping in boiling water,if that fails try a hot gun if all that fails,you calipers is pretty shagged anyway,so give it a last try,gently, with a blow lamp-grip the piston & rotate it to wiggle out

[@Moonfleet41]

Not always essential to replace banjo washers, they are good for 2-3 uses and I did tighten ALL bolts sufficiently, but have to edit a certain amount out for continuity

[@Moonfleet41]

By brake pump I assume you mean 'master cylinder'? .. the easiest way to bleed up an empty system is to prime the hoses by sucking fluid up straight out of the bottle ... don't put your mouth over the top, use a large clear plastic hose that the brake banjo fits into, stick it inside the plastic hose, drop the other end in the brake fluid bottle, then suck it up by sealing it with your hand, then bolt the hoses to the bike & bleed through to get the last bit out ... hope that helps, Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi there,sorry I don't think I got your message,but here goes..if you have re-built the caliper & the pads are closing in un-evenly the it is because 1 piston has more resistance than the other. Provided the caliper is mounted as per factory spec then both pads should touch the disc at the same time, however, if 1 piston moves more freely than the other, then it will touch the disc first, effectively bending the disc & causing the pulse. Take caliper apart again & make sure both pistons are free

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with it, hope it works out ok... Del.

[@mshawnmhulett]

This is a great guy . Very knowledgeable thanks for the vids please keep them coming!!!!!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, i appreciate you watching. Del.

[@tttrevin]

Always know where to go to get advice. Thanks Del.

[@jimbo80982]

Haynes manual always says "repeat a few times" but you actually need to do it for days! Use the syringe method Delboy suggested , that is the best way. You can do it without but it will take FOREVER. It took us 3 days of pumping te lever to bleed my dad's R6 brakes manually!

[@hughiemg2]

Thanks, this is a job I'm saving for the winter for my track bike

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Robert, appreciate you watching buddy, (Penny says hi). take care, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Why thank you kindly sir....its a pleasure to be of help....i could fix bikes for other people, and probably earn a living at it....but then you don't learn anything yourself, and that is what its all about...like the proverb says.."Give a man a fish and he eats tonight....give him the means with which to fish...and he eats every night...!!!!

[@M4rkle]

Many thanks for the swift response Delboy! You clearly are better at keeping up with your emails than me!! It's a 2008 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. I've only recently bought the bike and the brakes feel a little spongy so I have a feeling they haven't been bled properly in the past. I'm used to handling older (and arguably simpler!) bike so this is slightly uncharted territory!

[@tv4fun]

Superb !! Going to give mine a re fresh after seeing this video. Thanks for making it.

[@fader1109]

good vid a little tip from race where every little helps leave the res seal so air can escape use a pulltie pull the brake in tight and let sit for a few hours then put the resviour seal and cap on it gets ride of all the air then cut of the pulltie