Rebuilding Calipers

[BMFR6]

Anyone ever rebuild the front brake calipers for a 99 SV? Looking at doing mine before the next race weekend just wondering whats involed and the simplicity of the job. Any info?

[ftrain]

Good topic. I also need to rebuild my 450 night hawk caliper. It keeps on sticking. A new caliper costs $450 so i rather try to rebuild it.

[SSearchVT]

I haven't done SV's - but I've done a bunch of calipers. Get as much fluid out of them as possible before trying to take them apart, and you can't have the bench or your tools too clean. Buy an extra set of seals in case you tear one.

If you're using an air gun to pop the pistons turn the regulator down to about 20 psi - wear safety glasses, put a rag in the caliper to keep the pistons from smacking into each other, and aim it away from you when you give a few quick blasts. Increase the pressure a little at a time if needed. Chances are that one piston will pop out before the other(s) - stuff lint free rags in the openings and try again.

Check the piston and bore out for scrathes and corrosion, replace the pistons (it's easier), put on new seals. Take any sliders apart and lube them up with brake grease.
Good Luck...

[OreoGaborio]

I use the fluid to pop out the pistons. Sure it's messier, but more controlled that way.

[BMFR6]

anyone have a how-to about doing this?

[SSearchVT]

You can leave the caliper hooked up to the master cylinder, take the pads out, and carefully squeeze the lever.

[BMFR6]

okay, that makes sense. now i know what you were saying about the air.

[TheIglu]

Or....just pull them out. Lot less messy. Push them out evenly using the lever and then pull and twist gently. Don't use pliers.

[rebelpacket]

Its all been said before. When I pop mine, I pop them into a bath towel. I use the air method rather than the fluid method.