[ST] Cleaning front brake caliper pistons

["Ken Mitchell" <kp.mitchell@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My method of cleaning the brake dust ring from the front brake caliper
pistons:

Lay a thick, absorbent material around/under the front master cylinder
reservoir just in case it's been over filled. Make sure it's NOT full to the
top. DO NOT remove the master cylinder reservoir cover for this procedure,
it's not necessary.

Remove to two T55 (or hex socket) bolts that hold the caliper on, one
caliper at a time.

Remove the pads, but mark them or otherwise note which one came from the
inner or outer side of the caliper.

Place a block of some kind (hard wood, soft metal or other) between one pair
of opposing pistons. 

Hold one of the reaming 2 free pistons back with your fingers. 

Squeeze/pump the brake lever SLOWLY to advance the unrestricted piston
enough to show clean piston surface, the ring of caked on, built-up dust
will be clearly visible.

Spray the piston with CRC Brakleen, wipe the muck off CLEAN. (Disclaimer:
The CRC can says don't get it on any rubber parts, I've still never seen any
damage despite having performed this cleaning operation about every 4,000
miles, now at 42,000)

Press the cleaned piston back into it's bore, allowing the opposite one to
advance.

Lather, rinse, repeat. Move the block to that clean pair, lather rinse
repeat.

Reattach the caliper to the fork leg. Torque to 40Nm

While you have them out, clean the pad anti-rattle flat spring and retaining
pins with Brakleen. A very TINY dab of Never Seez on the threads (only) of
the pins. Torque to 20Nm

I don't do anything to the pads except wipe dust off them with a CLEAN, DRY
towel. Replace the pads in the EXACT same places they came from.

Do the same for the opposite caliper, then pump the brake lever. Add brake
fluid then, and bleed if necessary (I have never needed to.)

Works for me! Hope this helps Denis.

Ken M.
'00 RS


- -----Original Message-----
From: Denis Liakos
Subject: Re: Re: [ST] Front Master Cylinder Upgrade

Post them online, or, to me also.

Thanks
Denis Liakos


> > Before you go upgrading the brake master cylinder, take each caliper
off,
> > remove the pads, clean out the "gunk" around the pistons in the 
> > caliper with lots of brake cleaner, clean up the pads and 
> > reassemble. The
Triumph
> > caliper seems very prone to getting gummed up with brake dust. Doing
this a
> > couple of times a year should reinvigorate your brakes dramatically. 
> > If you've never done this in the past and need more detailed 
> > instructions, just yell.
>
> No, I haven't done this yet and wouldn't mind more detailed 
> instructions
(offline) if you have them...


     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
      The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
          http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
   http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info

=-=-=-= Next Message =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=