British roads are dirty. Dust in the summer and mud and salt in the winter mean that our brake calipers take the brunt of the conditions we ride in. Here at the Zenith Motorcycles workshop, we constantly ask our clients to keep their brake calipers in better condition to prevent future issues. This is why we have created this blog to guide you through how to service brake calipers. This article will not address drum braking, only hydraulic braking systems.
Firstly, let’s look at a simplified version of how your brake calipers work…
Brake calipers are critical components of any vehicle’s braking system, and they are responsible for clamping down on the brake pads to create the friction needed to slow down or stop the vehicle. This clamping system is powered by hydraulic brake fluid, which, under pressure, pushes the brake pistons in your brake caliper, which in turn pushes the brake pads to “clamp” onto the brake discs.
What Components Make up a Brake Caliper?
Now we know roughly how your brake calipers work, before attempting to perform any maintenance on them you need to be aware of the individual parts inside the caliper.
All brake calipers contain pistons, piston seals, bleed nipples, and some will have spring plates, pad backing plates, and grub screw covers covering the brake pin access. Also, be aware if you open the bleed nipple, brake fluid will escape, and air may get into the brake system and the same happens if you remove the brake piston.
Safety Precautions
Before you attempt to work on any part of your bike’s braking system, be sure of what you are doing. If you are unsure, please take your bike to a trusted professional.
Wear gloves as brake dust, hydraulic fluid and the chemicals required to clean brakes are toxic.
Concentrate. Do not work on the brakes if it’s possible; you will be interrupted. Your life relies on your braking system. Please concentrate.
Tools and Materials Needed for Brake Caliper Servicing
Before we dive into the servicing process, here are the tools and materials you’ll need:
Spanners / Sockets
Brake Cleaner
Wire Brush or Toothbrush
Compressed Air
Lubricating Products
Piston Pusher Tools
Brake Fluid
New Seals or Pistons (if necessary)
Rubber Gloves
Safety Goggles
Brake Caliper Servicing Steps
- Firstly remove your brake caliper;
- If your caliper has a bracket / slider, remove the bracket clean the pegs and inspect the rubber dust covers;
- Grease the bracket pegs so they are ready for refit;
- Remove and inspect brake pads noting how the pads are fitted for ease of replacement;
- Using brake clean, clean brake pistons and with a piston tool try and turn them and clean all parts of the pistons. If the pistons do not turn, this could be a sign that the caliper seals may need replacing;
- Once the pistons are clean, using the piston turning tool try and push the pistons back as far as they will go. You want to feel a smooth, pressurised retraction;
- Again, if the pistons do not retract easily it could be a sign that the brake caliper requires a rebuild;
- Inspect the brake seals, make sure the brake dust seals are not poking out. If they are, again it’s rebuild time;
- Reassemble the caliper and secure;
- Pump the brake lever or brake pedal of the caliper you have removed until you feel normal brake pressure. DO NOT RIDE UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE THIS.
If you have found any issues with your brake pistons, seals or slider bracket please visit your local trusted workshop as a caliper rebuild is likely required and is not something I would recommend being under taken unless you are 100% sure of what to do.
How to Service Your Brake Calipers Conclusion
Servicing brake calipers is a vital part of maintaining your vehicle’s braking system. Whether you’re cleaning your motorcycle’s brake calipers without removing them or performing a complete service following the proper steps ensures safety and optimal performance. Regular maintenance of brake calipers can prevent costly repairs and, more importantly, keep you safe on the road.
I can not stress enough that if you are at all unsure about working on your motorcycle brakes, please let a professional look after them for you.
