I (along with others here) have big issues with the front disc brake of this model/year. Squeaky, the piston doesn't seem to retract properly, or somehow causing the front disc brake to drag... The caliper is getting very difficult to take apart, and is most likely corroded.. Would it be easier to buy a whole new aftermarket assembly? And if so, is this one over-priced?
The caliper has only 4 pieces. The back, the front that holds the piston, the piston and the rubber seal.
2 things are the most common cause of brake drag (I just fixed mine).
1. The brake pad that fits where the piston is has a metal backing that fits into the bore of the caliper. The metal part of the pad and the aluminum caliper bore rust/corrode and cause the pad to stick in position. The hydraulic force can push the pad, but the dirt keeps the p[ad from retracting, causing drag. The cure is to remove the brake pad and clean the perimeter of the pad and clean the bore of the caliper.
2. The master cylider has 2 small holes in the bottom of the reservoir. The front hole (one closest to wehere the brake line connects) can get clogged, so the hydraulic pressure on the line doesn't get fully relieved, causing the caliper to remain dragging. The hole is small and clogs easily. Carefully clean with a thin needle.
Also possible, but less likely than the 2 above, is at the piston itself is corroded into the bore of the caliper. This requires removing the piston and cleaning out the brake fluid side of the caliper. New seals are cheap...clean the seal groove....
A hardened seal can cause it. Replace it.
If the piston is pitted or corroded where the seal rides, replace the piston. They are under $40 for a Stainless steel piston that won't corrode.
The corrosion around the brake pad is the most common. Mine was rebuilt 3 years ago and has re-corroded in that time. The pad, if stuck, can be pushed out by the master cylinder, just work the brakes with the caliper off the fork. It will push right out....
One other thing and it happens on mine about every other year or so. The seal groove can fill up slightly with gunk and corrosion. That causes the seal the be pushed harder against the piston than it should which will cause sticky brakes.
Way cheaper to just rebuild your own, if the piston is good that seal is cheap. Good cleaning, 5$ worth of spray paint and you saved around 160 bucks over ebay.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Honda Twins
568K posts
36.4K members
Since 2008
A forum community dedicated to Honda Twin cylinder motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, engine builds, classifieds, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!