Leaking Brake Caliber, 02 Ultra, 30K miles
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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Leaking Brake Caliber, 02 Ultra, 30K miles
Just got back from 500 mile ride and cleaning the bike. Noticed right side front caliber with a very small amount of brake fluid on the bottom. Something that needs to be addressed ASAP. Aside from replacing the caliber is there an alternative? Has anyone done the film negative trick with brake calibers? Chances are it's dirt stuck in an O-ring. If rebuild is an option, is the kit available at the dealer or is it aftermarket? Thanks guys!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Bay Area
Considering the bike is almost 15 years old, Im saying the seals have dried up and/or degraded. You can reseal the calipers for about $8.00 per kit (last I remember) and a pint of brake fluid and some brake clean and denatured alcohol. Maybe another $20 for a master cyl kit and you could actually change from DOT 5 to DOT 4. Along with age you may want to consider new rubber hoses too. Its a little labor, but a lot cheaper than new calipers.
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Road Master
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Bring this to the top. Got the seal kits. How's the correct way to do this job? Open the bleeders and drain the brake fluid? Grab the piston and just pull it out? Dig out the seals with a pick? Wipe new seals with brake fluid and install? Thanks Guys!
Club Member
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From: Bedford UK
You're going to be stripping and servicing the calipers? Get yourself a factory service manual, where you will find most of what you need to know and a good deal more besides.
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Road Master
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Road Master
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That thread was interesting reading. OP lubricated caliber parts with silicone grease and was criticized (nicely). Majority of posters insisted brake fluid should be the only lubricant because of possible contamination. The directions for the kit say brake fluid will give a soft lever and a specific grease is required. All this seems to indicate that DOT 5 fluid is a different animal than the DOT 3 that we're all familiar with.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Bay Area
That thread was interesting reading. OP lubricated caliber parts with silicone grease and was criticized (nicely). Majority of posters insisted brake fluid should be the only lubricant because of possible contamination. The directions for the kit say brake fluid will give a soft lever and a specific grease is required.