Check and clean front brake2【Installation】

Now, I’m ready to lubricate the brake caliper pistons.

＜Brake caliper pistons actuation＞

Insert the brake piston tool into the brake caliper.
Then pull the brake lever several times to release the brake piston. *

The outer side seems to move better than the inner side, and the piston pops out more.

*
If you pull the brake lever repeatedly without inserting the piston tool or other tool, the brake piston will come off.

＜Lubrication＞

Spray lubricant all around the brake pistons.
(Pardon the out-of-focus picture.)

As with the rear, the lubricant got all over the brake calipers and made them sticky.
It was so bad that I cleaned the whole area with parts cleaner afterwards.

It would be better to put the lubricant in another container and apply it to the pistons with a brush or a spatula.

＜Lubricant familiarization＞

Open the brake piston tool and push the brake piston in.
Then remove the piston tool and pull the brake lever to release the piston.

After repeating the above about two times, the piston lightly returns with my fingers.

I noticed that after working on STEP 3…

＜Right front panel＞

“Something is dripping!”

What a surprise, something is spilling on the front panel.

I immediately looked up and…

＜Brake fluid reservoir tank＞

‘The brake fluid leaked from the mating cap on the reservoir tank…’

Fluid was near the max in the reservoir tank, so it appears that it overflowed by pushing the piston back in.
So, before putting the piston back in, the fluid level must be checked and, if necessary, drained.

The leaked fluid was wiped off with a cloth and removed with parts cleaner.
The resin coating has peeled off and the front panel is no longer shiny.

Let’s get back to the story.

＜Comparison before and after cleaning＞

Comparison of the inner brake pistons before and after cleaning.

Left: Before
Right: After

At least, they are now clean.

Now, I’m ready for the installation of brake pads.

＜Chamfering of brake pads＞

Using an iron file, lightly chamfer the edges of the brake pads.

This is to ensure that the brake pads will hit correctly and immediately after reassembly.

＜Install pad springs＞

Install the pad springs in the direction shown in the photo.

If they are installed in the opposite direction, the brake pads will always be pressed against the brake rotor side.

＜Greasing＞

Left: General-purpose grease to prevent rust on the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.
Right: Apply a thin layer of silicon grease to the pad pins.

Now, install the brake pads.

＜Install brake pads 1＞

1. Thread the brake pads through the brake caliper from the inside.
   (Put them back in, being aware of the brake pads inside and outside)
2. Thread the pad pins through the brake caliper and brake pads so that the R-pin holes face up.

At this time, the pad springs will be tilted, but do not worry about it and pass the pad pin through.

＜Install brake pads 2＞

Insert the tow R pins into the pad pin.

＜Install brake pads 3＞

Thread the other pad pin through the brake caliper and brake pad.
At this point, push down on the pad spring and pass it through.

＜Install brake pads 4＞

Then, lightly push in the pad pins with a pry bar handle or the like.

＜Install brake pads 5＞

1. Center the brake pad.
2. Press the R pin with a dowel pin punch (4mm) and turn the pad pin
   *I took a picture in the wrong position to press the pin punch

The amount of pad pin turning was set until the R pin no longer protrudes from the back of the brake caliper.

Now, open the brake pads outward again to create a gap for the disc rotor.

＜After installing brake pads＞

The finished product looks like this.

As when removing the caliper, place a work glove or similar object on the wheel to prevent the brake caliper from hitting the wheel.
Then, install the caliper so that it is sandwiched disc rotors.

＜Install brake caliper 1＞

Temporarily tighten the two bolts that secure the calipers using a quick-turn socket (14mm) with an extension bar (50mm).

＜Brake operation＞

Pull the brake lever multiple times to press the brake pads against the disc rotor.

If you do not do this, you will be scared at the first traffic intersection.

＜Set front stand＞

Hang the front stand and lift the front tire.

(For details, please refer to the maintenance record “How to use front paddock stand”.)

あわせて読みたい

How to use front paddock stand Along with the rear paddock stand, the front paddock stand (hereafter described as the front stand) has been used for many years.It is not used as often as t…

＜Brake caliper alignment＞

Rotate the tire to find the position of the brake caliper where there is less drag and temporarily tighten the bolts.
*Be careful not to get your fingers caught in it!

Moving the position of the brake caliper slightly will considerably change the degree of drag.
If the dragging does not disappear no matter how you try, there are the following possibilities.

• Deteriorated brake caliper seals. (pistons not returning)
• Disc rotor is distorted.
• The front forks are not aligned.

＜Install brake caliper 2＞

Using a torque wrench, tighten the two bolts. (38 N-m)

Then, install the left side cover and you are done.

Now, let us compare before and after cleaning.

＜Comparison of brake calipers before and after cleaning＞

Left: Front
Right: After

The lubricant spread all over the brake caliper and it looks shiny…
I’m not satisfied with the appearance, but it is good to know that the condition of the brake pads, etc. was confirmed.