07 standard, I noticed it ate through a set of front brake pads pretty quickly and then noticed the caliper pistons were almost seized. I took apart the caliper and hit it with some brake cleaner, there was some nastiness in there. I have a rebuild kit already but I am wondering if it would be better to replace it since i cant clean inside the channels or if i should continue cleaning. The piston surfaces I assume need to be polished cleaned, but what about the hard to reach areas?

 

Looks like someone hadn't flushed the brakes since the bike was new in 2007....

Is that rust or just nasty brake fluid build up?

If it's not rust, someone with a sonic cleaner and the right solution could probably clean that right up....

 

I have cleaned worse, lots of brake cleaner and a decent cotton rag will fix that...along with some elbow grease.

 

Thanks for the input, i dont think its rust so hopefully just brake fluid buildup. I replaced the brake fluid 3 ish years ago while doing pads and that was the extent of it and probably needed a rebuild then.

I have an ultrasonic cleaner so ill grab some aluminum safe cleaner to run through it and keep at it with some elbow grease.

 

Probably not wrong, i am the 2nd owner and got it in 2020 with 18K miles.

 

Back in the day we would use a ball hone and brake fluid to clean it up.. Install a new seal and dust kit and away we went..
don't forget to use silicone grease for the sliders..

 

I gotta say, the Harbor Freight heated ultra sonic cleaner has been such a good purchase, I have had good results with so many things. With the size and density of the brake caliper I wasn't expecting such good results. I ran them each side individually and flipped them around a couple of times. I used Simple Green and water.


Before


After

 

Nice results!

I have been eyeballing an ultrasonic cleaner for a while now, I should get off my butt and pick one up. Undoubtedly will be useful when I tear apart my project bike.

 

They are a fantastic addition to the tools. Just make sure to get one large enough to handle whatever you plan to ever use it for. They rate them in liters.