My front brake caliper cylinders keep seizing up and I have to free them up with brake parts cleaner while pumping the hand brake to get them to start moving. Is anybody else having this problem and is there a cause/solution for it?

 

sounds like its time to rebuild them

 

Your calipers would likely benefit from a piston cleaning as described on Lyndall's website:

http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/service_tech.htm

The pistons have difficulty moving smoothly due to the accumulation of brake dust, etc. over time and with a 2001 bike they're probably overdue for a good cleaning; or, as the previous poster suggested, a caliper rebuild.

HD sells a kit with new seals that is modestly prices.

Carl

 

Agreed, Id start with a good piston cleaning, a 10 yo bike may very well be due for rebuild or at least a cleaning and a fluid flush.

 

My bet is your problem is internal (inside the caliper behind the dust seal) since it an 2001 . Should have dot 5. Someone may have dumped 3 or 4 into it. Someone also could have dumped some trash in the master cylinder and its hanging it up there. You really need to have someone pull it all down, inspect it, replace the caliper and master with new kits and fluids if it's beyond your expertise.. You do not state miles but if I was doing it I would throw you pads on and take a look at the rotor when you redo it like this. 30K wore my rotors to minimum thickness. I can not think of a more dangerous thing then a messed up front brake.

 

Lubrication between the caliper pistons and the rubber seal is crytical. Clean and lubricate with q-tips is a good place to start.