AboutBill Silver Expertise Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.
Experience I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.
Organizations VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America
Publications VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.
Question i need to rebuild front brake caliper, i can find parts break down, but no helpful hints. di i just pry out seals, clean like crazy, then replace seals? any input beside just buy manual is appreciated.
Pretty much like you said.... you have to ease the pistons out evenly so start pumping the master cylinder, watch the pistons, and when one gets out ahead of the other one, put a piece of wood or a wide tool handle in there to slow it down and let the other one catch up. Once they are just about all the way out, you can pull the caliper off the hydraulic line and then grab the pistons by hand to remove them. Dig out the old seal rings, clean the grooves REALLY well, lube up new seal rings with brake fluid and reinstall them, lube the pistons and push them all the way in to the bottom. Don't forget to put the dust rings on the edges as you are pushing in the pistons. Reconnect the caliper, mount it on the caliper mount, after you have loaded up the brake pads and springs/clips, etc. Lube the rubber parts with silicone grease so the caliper can slide easily on the pins. Bleed the caliper and go riding...
