GS550ES Front Brakes Lock Up (Again)

[hillsy]

If there is "rust" it can only be on the pistons as the caliper bodies are alloy.

Depending on whether there is noticeable pitting on the pistons, you can sand the rust off with some wet and dry sandpaper (600-1000) or dress them lightly with a wire wheel (I have a "soft" wheel on my bench grinder).

Whichever method you use - make sure you sand AROUND the piston surface and not ALONG the sides as this can score the surface and promote leaks. If you have a lathe it is easy to spin them up in the chuck with the wet and dry to dress the surface.

For cleaning out the seal groves, I use an angled pick to scrape away the corrosion.

[landrover1]

IMG_0268[1].jpg

Here is the right side caliper. I am installing the new seals now, any tips for fitting?

[fbody_mike]

I just coat the new seals with some brake fluid by hand and then coat the piston by hand and shove it in. Just make sure the groove is completely clean.

[fbody_mike]

I think the anti-dive was only connected to the brake lines in 83 maybe 84, by 85 they were stand alone with the forks.

[landrover1]

Well, I have solved the problem!

I found a complete set of brakes and lines on eBay listed a few miles from me. I offered the guy $35 and the box was on my porch this morning. I just finished installing them and took the bike around the block. Boom! What a difference. I do not know whether it was the lines or the calipers causing the issue on the original set, but on a rainy day I may decide to look deeper. Thanks for the tips everyone! I am only a few more problems away from having a great bike!

Evan

[TxGSrider]

Im glad you found the issue. I would recommend you invest in some new brake lines when you get a chance. The front ones especially as they do nearly all the stopping, and there's no way to tell what condition they are in on the inside... but you know they are old.

[Nessism]

New lines at minimum. It's risky to purchase 40 year old brake system parts and simply hope they work long term.

[Cipher]

if its the Akron seller he has a sweet set of headers but seems to think they are made of gold.
400 but they look flawless. get em!