How-To: Brembo Motorcycle Brake Caliper Cleaning

[@mike216ism]

You are the best teacher out there. You have the best techniques translating info to others. I really enjoy learning from you. Thanks so much!

[@stevenfarmwald6979]

I realize that this is an older video, but after watching this I cleaned my 3 year old calipers (installing new pad). I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know that you could, or rather should, clean the calipers. I had to laugh at myself, after the cleaning I questioned my re-install because I could clearly see the pistons, where before I couldn't--they were just too dirty before! And, most importantly, one piston on each side was sticking a bit. Thanks, Dave. Still learning at age 64

[@catalystreactionsbw]

We all start somewhere Steve! I rode for a decade knowing and doing nothing to all my motorcycles until it was servicing time as per manual or something broke. Shiny caliper pistons do create a double take as we do not take them into account. I am sure you will notice a braking improvement with all pistons working correctly.

[@wirenut3020]

I like to extend the piston out until I can see the clean part, then I take a shoelace and dip it in clean brake fluid and clean that piston pristine. Now it’s nice and lubricated, now you can start working it in and out until it moves nice and freely. Do them all this way.

[@erniesimsek6637]

Shoelace is a great tip! Thanks

[@jarvismdomrep]

Jock strap pushing the pistons back in before cleaning is pushing dirt and grime back into the seals. These are one of the main items that ensures they slide back and forward with no issue, is clean pistons and seals.

[@torincody8378]

You probably dont care but does anyone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@jaysonares2557]

@Torin Cody instablaster =)

[@torincody8378]

@Jayson Ares thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@DevInvest]

Very nicely done. One minor suggestion Sir, maybe keep a small flashlight handy for those tight shots,, to show that stick piston for example.. Just a thought Thanks for all the hard work

[@chanakpugkaing]

Great video Dave! I always clean my calipers at every tire change but I didn't even think pop out the pistons a bit clean them as well.

[@johnnyappleseedz422]

Simple. To the point. A few Questions: Why did you not use any type of brake cleaner? What is the maximum travel for the pistons to come out for the cleaning before it becomes a concern? And, what is your recommended "Clean the brake calipers" interval? I do not ride on windy days or any inclement weather. No rain. No snow. I have 36,768 miles on my ZX10-RR and this is my first day of scrubbing. So far, I only see 1 piston moving on my front left. That's a bad sign. But I want to do it right. Can you assist by answering the 3 questions above? Thanks in advance.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Brake cleaner makes rubber brittle. That can create leaks.Maximum would be 5mm. Interval would be every 2,000kms if you are a fair weather rider. Once a week if you commute in wet weather.

[@dantheman9555]

Hi Dave, I'm worried about applying too much brave pressure and popping the piston out to check all pistons move freely, how do I do this ?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Two people needed. One caliper is still mounted, there fore not an issue. Squeeze the brake lever once to halfway from off to the grip to see if anything moves at all. If 1 or more move, clean them. Now you hold the pistons that were cleaned. Squeeze again (same distance on the lever) and see which moves next. Clean and continue until all 4 are cleaned.

[@dantheman9555]

@@catalystreactionsbw Great, thanks Dave. That should do the trick

[@spiritbuu]

DISCLAIMER: No Brake Cleaner was used in the cleaning of these brake calipers.

[@GoldbergPatriot]

That’s exactly why I came here😂

[@mikeritchie5500]

Dave first time today cleaning brembo calipers on my V4s. Did as you said, pumped cylinder to extend pistons but one popped out with a loss of some brake fluid. Pissed. Should I have expected this? A warning would have been helpful. I put in back in and only lost minimal fluid. What's the fix to make sure this is still fully functional. tAppreciate the help thanks.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Hi Mike. Sorry that happened to you and I appreciate the reference to adding text to the video. I'll forward that on to Dave Williams to see if he can add an edit. Once the piston has been reinstalled, bleed the brakes again with something locked between the pads and the bleed nipple at the highest point to encourage the air to the nipple.

[@mikeritchie5500]

@@catalystreactionsbw Thanks for the reply. I have a bleeder now and that's the plan.

[@alpha1k-]

Wouldnt it be a good idea to just use brake fluid to clean the caliper pistons? A little of whats on the inside on the outside. First time i ever did a brake job on a bike i by mistake made the pistons fall out, the resulting mess of brake fluid cleaned the caliper and pistons really well, while also keeping everything lubricated.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for your contribution. The soap dries onto the piston surface and collects the brake dust keeping it off the piston surface. That's one advantage along with very easy clean up. Brake fluid will trap dirt and debris both in front of and behind the dust seal and may get onto the pads once the brakes get very hot.

[@cryptout]

Motion Pro is mostly used in de US? I never see it in Europe (Netherlands)

[@barryweaver8833]

So all we want to use is just soap and water (dish detergent) and rinse. No WD-40 or any other harsh cleaners or degreaser except maybe brake cleaner ? Might leave a residue which does not mix with brake fluid I take it. I'm getting ready to inspect and take apart to replace the seals anyway. How often do you replace the caliper seals?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Caliper seals are very 3-5 year depending on your level of ability and type of use.

[@akenik1]

Thanks again! Yet another great instruction video!

[@devinsmith3645]

If I do this process with the wheel on can I just leave the caliper I’m not cleaning bolted up and allow the pads to push against the rotor?

[@cfltitan]

Yes. The point is to have ANYTHING there to keep them from coming out too far. If they come out far enough they'll actually come out of the bore and soul fluid everywhere and then you've got a real big mess in your hands.

[@muythaibxr]

I was having the issue you described in this video with some of the pistons not coming out evenly with the others. Cleaning with dish soap and toothbrush didn't help. I've seen some places recommending that the pistons should be fully removed, cleaned, greased, and reinstalled.What do you think?

[@demonbox666]

see my reply...

[@nspinicelli]

Unreal! Dave this was crazy... I just did one caliper today. One piston was moving freely, the other three were barely moving! I spent a lot of time cleaning the pistons, is it OK if one still moves freely and the others move if I hold back the free moving one? Or should they all move in unison. If so I may need a rebuild kit

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for getting your hands dirty! All should move in unison so you will need to use air to blow out the pistons and then clean/grease the seals. Polish the pistons with a microfiber towel and reinstall after cleaning the inside of the caliper for grunge.

[@nspinicelli]

@@catalystreactionsbw i just subscribed for one year on your site but I'm not seeing a video about how to do a rebuild of the caliper. Am I missing something?

[@Spanner04]

Awesome videos Dave! I'm planning on changing my brake & clutch hoses on my 1199 with Tygon 2750 tubing. I may as well take my callipers fully off and clean them in the bath? Any tips when replacing the brake fluid after to ensure there's no air in the system?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

If you are taking the lines off, I would use compressed air to carefully remove the pistons as well (keep your fingers out of the way and then clean the caiipers that way as well as clean the pistons and wipe out the junk in the groove of the oil seals.

[@VitorCasalVRCCorse]

Great video! very well explained!!! Good Work Dave!!!

[@fam.baldanzacools2043]

VertalingToday to my local dealer. After 5 tests with the moto, she discovered that my brake discs were crooked. I had a quick question can I reuse my brake rotor floating buttons and how do I get that look? Because with new order there were no. When I get my brake disc back lashing you might know on how much I this should tighten with a torque wrench because I have no information on here? Thx Dave

[@catalystreactionsbw]

A company like Galfer specializing in brakes will replace buttons on their products and your stock rotors cannot be straightened. Make sure when you get new rotors the company will replace the buttons.

[@BicZippo]

Dave I couldn’t find that tool listed. Any chance it’s not motion pro?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

www.monotaro.sg/g/02585534/

[@BicZippo]

Thank you so much!

[@StefanKingdom]

How did you extract the third piston??????

[@catalystreactionsbw]

+Esteban Cazarez a piece of wood between the top two and held the third with my hand while pumping the brake lever :)

[@fam.baldanzacools2043]

Hey I had a quick question about a brake problem. As I above the head and hard braking 100 per hour I get vibrations on my handlebar what could this be? Warped brake discs? I've already shown by measure but this saves almost nothing. What else can I find out about this problem. The moto is a bmw s1000r of 2017

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Steering head bearings loose, front forks twisted, brake caliper piston(s) not retracting properly.

[@fam.baldanzacools2043]

Thx i will check it. I let you know when i solve the problem.

[@fam.baldanzacools2043]

Today the brake calipers cleaned. Some pistons came hard. This I have tried as best as possible to clean. After I had seen your clip how to reinstaling a front wheel correctly i take the tip you give at the end of the clip and now it vibrates 70% less . So there is still a bit of vibration but that's probably normal for sure? I think Warped brake discs is not a issue

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Seems like another caliper cleaning in the near future would help again as you are sure that the rotors are not warped.

[@fam.baldanzacools2043]

Thx Dave for now i have the time i give it another try.

[@Concordeagle]

Great video! Where did you find that awesome brake spreading tool? All the ones I see are made for cars and too thick to fit for bikes.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

That was a gift given to me. wikibuy.com/p/otc-4743-motorcycle-brake-calipe/ZS2CGQ672X?pla=true&gclid=CK3X2-6r8NQCFUlNfgodeYcOSg

[@DmanGuitar327]

Rinse the crud out w water once brushed?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Yes. After you've been cleaning the caliper with soapy water and your tooth brush (any caliper not just a Brembo) you'll want to rinse it off, like you'd rinse your hands after washing them with soap, or rinse out your mouth after brushing your teeth.

[@DmanGuitar327]

@@catalystreactionsbw legend!! Thx dave . If i could shake your hand i would

[@fingerscrossed2317]

Hi Dave, i AM asking myself why don't you use brake cleaner ?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

It drys, perishes and cracks rubber and with high pressure form the can it drives dirt behind the pistons.

[@lakaiskates8064]

I've always done all my own work on my cars for the most part but there's something about bikes that just seems so daunting to me. I don't know if it's the fact that if I mess something up there's a high chance of serious injury or death lol

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Given your mechanical background, the instructional videos take you step by step so you can use the pause button any time.

[@seinfeld11123]

dont use any water or soapy water or brake cleaner FIRST. get a good paintbrush and get all the loose dust. then get a brush that is a bit stiffer (not wire) clean again. blow off with compressed air. if every thing is clean use soapy water and clean again...

[@supersportimpalass]

It's better to use brake cleaner to wash and flush the majority or the dirt and crud off before pushing the pistons back in. All you are doing is driving the junk into the seals if you do that first. They make brake cleaner for a purpose and it isn't going to damage any parts of the brake system. Soap and water is fine for finish cleaning but it really is best to use brake cleaner first otherwise you are creating issues with sticking pistons just like in the video.

[@AlexS-yy9qu]

nice video sir!

[@seinfeld11123]

when I clean my brakes they dont work as well for ages. so I tend to just give them a quick clean rather than really thorough

[@catalystreactionsbw]

How do you clean them? Brake clean or soap and water? The soap will act as a lubricant.

[@seinfeld11123]

brake clean and a toothbrush. for some reason if I dont leave some transfer material on the critical surfaces they just act crap for ages. obv cleaning the lip of crap off the piston and the slides is fine also another question. if a bike has 2 year old fork oil in it. and I change it for new oil/seals. does the suspension firm up or get a bit softer with the new oil.. generally?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the information. Brake clean hardens the dust and oil seals in the calipers. Fresh fork oil will give less oil viscosity range between cold and hot.

[@javasoldier5926]

perfect. Almost the same as reading the book. You must try 2 write some

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I have been eager to write 2 books that I started many years ago, but as time goes by I get more work to do and less time to write.

[@dizzicz]

@@catalystreactionsbw please finish it :-)

[@diegobolanos9426]

you shouldn't back out the pistons brake as a first step NEVER, because the pistons may have debris and/or littler rocks, and if you back out them like you did, then this dirty elements can get in between the caliper and the piston, BAD BAD.... You have to do a little clean up first before moving the pistons at all....

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for your comment. I agree if the pistons haven't been cleaned for weeks on end and are very dirty indeed. These brakes are cleaned every 2 or 3 weeks with a total of 3 or 4 track days on them. The dust seals will take care of dust, so the soap on the pistons from the last cleaning captures the dust and that makes cleaning easier.

[@LordOfThunderUK]

Very true, that was a lame thing to do. Plus he actually forced the piston in and maybe that was the actual cause of sticking. You NEVER push the piston in prior cleaning it thoroughly. He didn't even prepare for the video because he did not know how to take that particular brake pad, that was funny to watch.

[@adrianm5147]

@@LordOfThunderUK And you do not know how to particularly write a coherent sentence either. Spell check yourself before you wreck yourself.

[@ApexMotow]

Soapy water has not worked nearly as well as break cleaner.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Agreed when used with a cloth. It will not work well without a toothbrush.

[@laughingdog1125]

your great

[@mototom9086]

sadly the wrong way,or the best way to ruin the piston seals

[@JGulickx]

Can you tell us why? The point of this video is to inform people. So can you do the same?

[@demonbox666]

Bad practice. Pads out, limit the travel with suitable tool and push out until clean parts of pistons are seen. THEN clean them up. 9 out of 10 times sticky pistons are caused by the tight dust seal. In UK its usually aluminium corrosion and other crap accumulating in the seal groove and pressing the seal tight against the piston (remember people falling off their BREMBO equipped KTM's ?). The only cure is cleaning the corrosion and contamination out of the grooves to enable proper seal seating. TBH, I can't understand why the hell motorcycle manufacturers don't design their calipers with rubber boots around the pistons, just like in the car brakes. I know you need that extra heat dissipation in performance brakes but lets be honest, more docile street and touring bikes could have them with no detrimental effect on performance here. It's usually YEARS before you even need to think about rebuilding a car caliper, bikes, especially if you ride in winter, usually need a lot of attention after two to three years (especially Brembos, those things were driving me mad on my F800GT) And monoblocks are Satan's spawn...