Brembo pistons - lube?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
Brembo pistons - lube?
2013 Road Glide Ultra, bike now has about 32K miles on it, front brakes (pads not original, of course) are squeaking even at 10 mph ocassionally (without applying brakes), so I'm thinking the caliper pistons are sticky.
Is there a way to lube the pistons without doing a re-build?
I can get the calipers off when I change the pads, spray them down with brake clean and a small tooth brush to get the gunk off, but I feel like the pistons could use some lubrication.
Any thoughts/comments/ideas? TIA...
Is there a way to lube the pistons without doing a re-build?
I can get the calipers off when I change the pads, spray them down with brake clean and a small tooth brush to get the gunk off, but I feel like the pistons could use some lubrication.
Any thoughts/comments/ideas? TIA...
Last edited by Keithhu; Oct 5, 2015 at 05:15 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 178
From: NY
I have never lubed caliper pistons from the outside. Its a cheap gasket kit and some skill to take a caliper apart and rebuild it. Look on the internet for step by step instructions. Pick up some red grease for calipers and new pads and have at it. They even make bleeder screws that will let fluid out but no air back in. Easier to bleed by yourself. Nice surprise how well the brakes work too when done.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
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From: South Florida
If brakes are squeaking without you applying pressure,you might want to check to see if the wear indicators or the caliper housing tabs are rubbing on the rotor letting you know the pads are worn.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
I would say at 32K, you may just be on your 3rd set of pads unless you do a lot of interstate driving. My rule of thumb is clean OD of piston by letting it out just a tad further then it is with the first set of pads. New pads and then a complete rebuild on the 3rd set. Harley's are the only caliper I have rebuilt that calls for piston lube. However, you can still see it on the piston at that first rebuild.
You might want to lift the front wheel and see just how tight the wheel fills as you rotate it. I would do that for sure. Just touching means little.
You might want to lift the front wheel and see just how tight the wheel fills as you rotate it. I would do that for sure. Just touching means little.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
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From: Bay Area
It is my understanding that the newer HD Brembos are not rebuildable and theres no parts kit available for it. You do not want to place any lube or grease on the external part of the pistons, you will just attract dirt and have major binding issues. The lube used in assembly is only on the oring and bore to slide the pistons in without them going in dry and messing up the orings.
I have always put something like a film of neverseeze or sil glide on the back of the pad, that and keeping the area clean occasionally and never had an issue.
I have always put something like a film of neverseeze or sil glide on the back of the pad, that and keeping the area clean occasionally and never had an issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
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From: Honah Lee
Think Bag is correct, the only part is a $190+ caliper that comes loaded for your bike or $50+ pads.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
When ever my brakes start squeaking I give the old girl a good wash with s100. Hose it all off. I'm good for a few more months. JR
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From: Blaine, WA
It is my understanding that the newer HD Brembos are not rebuildable and theres no parts kit available for it. You do not want to place any lube or grease on the external part of the pistons, you will just attract dirt and have major binding issues. The lube used in assembly is only on the oring and bore to slide the pistons in without them going in dry and messing up the orings.
I have always put something like a film of neverseeze or sil glide on the back of the pad, that and keeping the area clean occasionally and never had an issue.
I have always put something like a film of neverseeze or sil glide on the back of the pad, that and keeping the area clean occasionally and never had an issue.
As far as applying "lube" to the piston - NO, the only time you would use a lube there is during assembly and even then, if you intend to install them soon then just lube with brake fluid as that is what lubricates them in normal use. The noise is just vibration, install new pads if you need them, make sure break them in so they seat properly and then if you still get noise - take the leading edge of the pads and put a chamfer on them
