1980 Gs850GL front right brake frozen open!

[Guest]

Hey everyone,

Just realized my front right brake piston is frozen open. I'm a complete newb to brakes. Other brakes seem fine. What would the knowledgeable here do? Full rebuild kit? I'm having trouble finding one for the front as well. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Brian

[eil]

Basically, yes, full rebuild. Always tear down and inspect the brake system on any new-to-you used motorcycle before you ride it. Doing so could save your life.

I could go into the details of how to go about the rebuild but we just did that for another guy over here in this thread: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...No-rear-brakes

[BaconAndSwiss]

Thanks for the link.
Now if i could only find someone who knows which K&L Supply Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit on amazon fits my bike...

[2BRacing]

Now if i could only find someone who knows which K&L Supply Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit on amazon fits my bike...

I would recommend that you rather get OEM parts for the brake system.

[bwringer]

I would recommend that you rather get OEM parts for the brake system.

Agreed. OEM kits are actually cheaper (or very close in price), more complete (they contain new pistons), and MUCH higher quality.


Only $22.96 for new seals and piston: (59301-45822, PISTON SET)

http://www.onlinecycleparts.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d4019df8700230d8b4e52f/front-calipers

Plus, you can order any other clips, springs, boots, or missing bits while you're at it.


The K&L kits are basically an expensive incomplete package of random ill-fitting, dangerous crap with no pistons. Pure garbage. For most GS models, the OEM kits are still available.

[BaconAndSwiss]

That is fantastic, thank you. Would you recommend replacing it all?

[bwringer]

The kit contains the seal, dust boot, and piston.

If you're missing any of the other bits, or they're worn, rusty, or failed, then order what you need. If the other stuff is in good shape, then there's no reason to replace it.

For example, it's very common to find that some thumb-fingered idiot in the past has lost or discarded the spring clips or the shims on the pads. It's also common to find that the boots around the slide pins have deteriorated.

Oh, and make sure you rebuild both calipers while you're at it -- don't just do one. Even though the left one is still working, I guarantee you'll find an appalling mess in there that needs to be cleaned up.

Couldn't hurt (other than a few more bucks) to get a kit and attend to the master cylinder as well. But the water in the system tends to end up at the lowest points, so the calipers are usually the main problem.