brake questions

[Guest]

I'm rebuilding a front bake on a '79 GS425. it's my first go at it and I have a couple of questions.

1. There's a clip and some kinda rubber grommet as part of the Caliper Holder. The clip is lightly rusted. These two parts are not listed separately from the holder itself. Does anyone know what their function is? Shold they be replaced?

2. On the piston there are some small pits. Is this common? It looks to me like they might have been revealed during OD grinding rather than as a result of some damage or wear. Should this be replaced?

thanks
Z

[Nessism]

That clip looks fine but the piston is junk. Rust pits. Very common. I suggest OE brake parts. Part Shark has good prices.

[zeebob]

Thanks for the advice... much appreciated.
regards
Z

[pete]

I'm doing exactly the same as you on my '82 450E, and my piston is also toast, although I contributed to that by using a pipe wrench to get it out. Mine doesn't seem to have a clip like yours at all though.

I'm going to get my bits from Boulevard Suzuki over there in the US because the price is 1/3 of what they want here in Aus (no exaggeration).

I'm replacing the piston and piston boot (can buy as a set), the piston seal, and both caliper axle boots.

If you need a new master cylinder, Mikes XS has what looks like a good replacement and mine is being shipped to me at present. Less than $80 for a brand newy is a good price in my books!

[Pac-Man]

That clip looks fine but the piston is junk. Rust pits. Very common. I suggest OE brake parts. Part Shark has good prices.

partshark is a nice site & all but what to do if they dont list parts I need, kinda weird, they list front tires for my bike but not rear. They dont list brake shoes for my bike either. Where does one find parts for these old boys?

[jwhelan65]

That piston is officially a paper weight..

[Nessism]

partshark is a nice site & all but what to do if they dont list parts I need, kinda weird, they list front tires for my bike but not rear. They dont list brake shoes for my bike either. Where does one find parts for these old boys?

If the part is not listed that normally means it's no longer available from Suzuki. Contrary to what some people think, most dealer sources don't stock parts for our bikes, other than maybe things like oil filters, so when you place an order they in part order the stuff from Suzuki.

While I'm normally a strong proponent of OE parts, tires are a good example of parts that shouldn't be ordered from Suzuki. If they don't list a tire that just means they haven't bothered to stock them.

[Pac-Man]

so basically i can contact most suzuki dealers local and they more than likely can get my parts then? Havent a chance to stop in any bike dealerships yet to check things out, once my bike arrives this week ill be on the up & up im sure. Ill be like a kid in a candy store shoppin/browsin round for all future updates and needs!

[zeebob]

pete;
Mine is a '79 and was the last year for that style (round pad) caliper assembly. 1980 and on had the "square pad" assembly on the 425 and 450's. Thats according to Clymer (M372) anyway.

[pete]

pete;
Mine is a '79 and was the last year for that style (round pad) caliper assembly. 1980 and on had the "square pad" assembly on the 425 and 450's. Thats according to Clymer (M372) anyway.

Cool, explains why I don't have the clip then