Thoughts on my rear piston?

[Guest]

Happy President's Day!

Working on a caliper overhaul as I go to SS briaded lines on my 82 850GL. Discovered one of the rear pistons was siezed up. After getting everything apart and cleaned up, there is some pitting on the piston that was stuck. Do you think this one's still usable or should I be looking to replace???





As always, thanks for the help!!

 

[jsandidge]

That looks like it will be below the seal, so it might be ok. I would try it and watch closely for any leaking.

 

[Nessism]

I'd replace it.

 

[bwringer]

Assuming the bore is in good shape, it's unlikely to cause any problems.

However, I'd still replace it. You can get the piston/pad set from Suzuki for $57.28 (depending on supplier) which includes all the seals and new pistons, PLUS fresh new brake pads! Such a deal.
http://www.onlinecycleparts.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d40202f8700230d8b4e63a/rear-calipers

You can get the seals separately, but there's not much point when you can get the whole shebang plus pads for that little money.

I would definitely NOT use an aftermarket "rebuild" kit -- in my experience these are expensive, shoddy imitation junk that only includes seals.


EDIT: Looks like the pads are most likely NOT included. Still a good deal, though.

 

[hampshirehog]

I'd play safe and chuck it. But I'd replace with stainless steel pattern pistons - cheaper and better than original.

 

[Steve]

You can get the piston/pad set from Suzuki for $57.28 (depending on supplier) which includes all the seals and new pistons, PLUS fresh new brake pads! Such a deal.
http://www.onlinecycleparts.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d40202f8700230d8b4e63a/rear-calipers.

$55.96 at my favorite supplier.

Enter the word BANG in the promo box at checkout, shipping is $1. :encouragement:

.

 

[Nessism]

Are you guys sure about that kit coming with the pads? I realize the illustration shows the pads being included but there have been threads about confusion in that regard where everything was not included.

 

[jsandidge]

Are you guys sure about that kit coming with the pads? I realize the illustration shows the pads being included but there have been threads about confusion in that regard where everything was not included.

Best thing to do is call before ordering. That's what I did, and they told me they were included. When I received my order, there were no pads. Since I called ahead of the order, they did honor what they told me and sent a set of pads. I do believe the illustration is wrong, the pricing makes no sense.

 

[Nessism]

When I received my order, there were no pads. ... I do believe the illustration is wrong, the pricing makes no sense.

This is what I remember. The pads are not included. Sure, you could press, but it's just a mistake in the fishe.

 

[bwringer]

Are you guys sure about that kit coming with the pads? I realize the illustration shows the pads being included but there have been threads about confusion in that regard where everything was not included.

Even without the pads, it's a good deal for OEM pistons and seals.

I wouldn't bother calling -- they don't have the parts on the shelf (they order from Suzuki, then ship to you, same as every other supplier), so how would they have any more info than you do?

 

[bwringer]

I'd play safe and chuck it. But I'd replace with stainless steel pattern pistons - cheaper and better than original.

Where would you get these? I don't know of any sources in the US.

 

[Guest]

Alright so I decided to replace the part.. but in a pretty unconventional manner :lol: I'd already ordered the seals for all 3 calipers in a larger Z1 order I'd placed earlier this winter, so I just need 1 piston. Man those things are crazy expensive though! Did a little creative thinking and found an OEM caliper for my year/model on an eBay Buy It Now at $15. I made an offer at $10 and they accepted! As long as it's got one piston in good shape I'm golden...from the pictures posted (below) I don't see any reason these would be rusted out - both dust covers are still and place and the pistons don't appear to be seized..



I figure worst case, both pistons are garbage and I'm only out $10 and go new.

 

[Guest]

Also, for those thinking about upgrading to Stainless Steel Braided lines, I contacted RennSport ([FONT=&quot]sales[/FONT][FONT=&quot]@rennsportautoparts.com)[/FONT] and they offered me all 4 brake lines with banjo bolts and crush washers for $120 flat, including shipping!

 

[hampshirehog]

Where would you get these? I don't know of any sources in the US.

I get mine from Nick Chambers over here. Top man. With the ? pretty low against the $ at the moment they should be a good buy for you chaps.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-gn...559958?hash=item3d239df6d6:g:MVoAAOSwj0NUjfQL

 

[bobgroger]

I saw today the Euro is very close to par with the dollar. Might be time to return the favor and come buy your old bikes....

 

[fastbysuzuki]

I saw today the Euro is very close to par with the dollar. Might be time to return the favor and come buy your old bikes....

Sorry to disappoint but in the uk we do not deal in euro's

 

[eil]

I figure worst case, both pistons are garbage and I'm only out $10 and go new.

Chances are fairly good the piston is pitted in that one too. I haven't seen a set of original calipers opened up that didn't have pitted pistons. What usually happens is that people forget that the brake fluid (and lines, if they're the original rubber ones) have to be replaced every two years. And then the fluid never gets changed because the brakes just keep on working, despite the neglect. As the fluid ages, it gradually absorbs water over the years. That water in the fluid then eats away at the pistons. Or they just don't ride the bike for decades on end and the same thing happens.

Maybe these are fine, just reporting what I've seen. Better to crack them open sooner rather than later to find out for sure.