Front brake calliper o-rings

[Tapartacus]

Hello everyone I'm going to attempt to rebuild my 92 fj front brake callipers. Bought the rebuild kit from RPM. When I referred to my Clymer manual it says to split the calliper to remove the pistons. Well thats all fine and dandy but it also says to replace the o-rings that seal the halves together. anyone know where I can purchase these o-rings? Looked on RPM but can't find them. If I'm going to go through all the trouble of rebuilding the calliper shouldn't I be sure to replace those as well? Do I have to split the calliper to remove the pistons in the first place?
Cheers
Andrew

[fj11.5]

should just be able to blow the pistons out with compressed air, no need to split the calipers as all you need to replace are the piston seals

[ribbert]

Hello everyone I'm going to attempt to rebuild my 92 fj front brake callipers. Bought the rebuild kit from RPM. When I referred to my Clymer manual it says to split the calliper to remove the pistons. Well thats all fine and dandy but it also says to replace the o-rings that seal the halves together. anyone know where I can purchase these o-rings? Looked on RPM but can't find them. If I'm going to go through all the trouble of rebuilding the calliper shouldn't I be sure to replace those as well? Do I have to split the calliper to remove the pistons in the first place?
Cheers
Andrew

Take the caliper (once it's split) to your local "bearing service shop" and they will fix you up with O rings.
Yes, split the caliper before removing the pistons.  They may not come easily and there are a number of methods mentioned on the forum for getting them out if you need help.  Pipe wrenches and multi-grips are not among them.

Noel

[ribbert]

Just so you're not confused,  FJ11.5 is right about not needing to split the caliper, but having gone that far, I have a preference for dismantling things for thorough cleaning.  And, if you do decide to remove the pistons with compressed air ( the best method ) with the caliper split, be sure to put a heavy rag over the piston to save your eye, teeth, having it land in another postcode or the risk of "bruising" the piston when it bounces off the wall.
Noel

[racerrad8]

FYI, I have just went through the part diagrams and that center o-ring is not a "service" item which means it is not available form Yamaha.

I will break down some early model calipers to get some measurements, but I would need someone with a late model to give me their measurements so I can source an o-ring.

Randy - RPM

[AustinFJ]

If those o-rings aren't leaking, don't split the calipers.  Why invite trouble???    Once Randy gets those in stock, you can go for it.  But until then, you can do all you need without splitting the calipers.      

[Dan Filetti]

I never split the calipers, never saw a need to.

My $0.02

Dan

[SlowOldGuy]

In the early model calipers, they are actually o-rings.  The later years used a square cross-section seal, like the caliper piston seals.

DavidR.

[ally]

whilst we are on the subject and not totally useful andrew (sorry), there is a guy over here in the UK who had some rear calliper (same as early fronts?) seals made as he couldn't purchase any

he flogs them very cheaply on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370602585225#ht_3700wt_1283

may help someone......



see also:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sumitomo-brake-caliper-joint-seal-10-5-x2mm-Yamaha-V-Max-FJ-FJR-1100-1200-others-/150693304848#ht_3709wt_1067

they do a lot of individual hard to get items, may be worth an email

if they don't want to ship to the US happy to forward.....

[Tapartacus]

Thanks everyone. I'll try without splitting first. Let you all know how it goes. Thanks ally for the link if I run into trouble I'll give em a try. Thanks again for the great input. Love this forum!
Cheers
Andrew

[Tapartacus]

Also thanks Noel for the warning, I'll wear a helmet.

[Tapartacus]

Well unfortunatly I had to split the calipers couldn't get the pistons out any other way. All went well but when I took the seals out they left what looks like some rubber residue in the groves. Any suggestions on how to remove this residue. I cleaned it the best I could with brake fluid and a toothpick (brake fluid is what the manuals says to use) but still some there. I hesitate to use solvent or kerosene as I'm afraid I may damage or pit the caliper. Can I use brake cleaner or better yet gasket remover?

Cheers
Andrew

[ribbert]

Well unfortunatly I had to split the calipers couldn't get the pistons out any other way. All went well but when I took the seals out they left what looks like some rubber residue in the groves. Any suggestions on how to remove this residue. I cleaned it the best I could with brake fluid and a toothpick (brake fluid is what the manuals says to use) but still some there. I hesitate to use solvent or kerosene as I'm afraid I may damage or pit the caliper. Can I use brake cleaner or better yet gasket remover?

Cheers
Andrew

Yep, kero, gasket remover etc. will be fine, if you can dip your finger in it without the flesh melting off it won't hurt the caliper.
Just make sure that whatever you use is completely washed off when your finished.
Noel

[andyb]

Ultrasonic cleaner, carb cleaner, patience...

If you know you're replacing the rubber, removing it shouldn't be too hard.

[Tapartacus]

hi all. Well brakes are all put together no leaks. New pads, bled system and good pressure on brake lever. Here's the thing, when I apply brakes when riding I get a pulsing sensation and it's quite dramatic. I'm thinking warped rotors? Any ideas? If so anyone know of some reasonably priced after market rotors?
Cheers
Andrew