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front brake issue since caliper removal
- jschoof
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27 May 2008 08:29 #216141
by jschoof
1983 KZ550 LTD
front brake issue since caliper removal was created by jschoof
A friend and I are working on a 1983 KZ550 LTD. We replaced the fork seals and as a part of that process removed the front brake assembly from the fork / rotor. When we took it off, we stuck some cardboard in there to keep the caliper open. While it was off we were careful never to pull the front brake lever.
When we went to put it back on it was a very tight fit. He managed to cram it back on, but the pad is grinding on the rotor on a spot every rotation.
Our inclination is to bleed the brakes and see if that relieves any pressure on the caliper. (The fluid is old and could use it anyway.) Are we headed in the right direction?
Thanks.
When we went to put it back on it was a very tight fit. He managed to cram it back on, but the pad is grinding on the rotor on a spot every rotation.
Our inclination is to bleed the brakes and see if that relieves any pressure on the caliper. (The fluid is old and could use it anyway.) Are we headed in the right direction?
Thanks.
1983 KZ550 LTD
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- PLUMMEN
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27 May 2008 08:35 #216142
by PLUMMEN
Still recovering,some days are better than others.
Replied by PLUMMEN on topic front brake issue since caliper removal
that would be a good starting point,if that doesnt do it id pull the caliper off to make sure the pad isnt twisted somehow
Still recovering,some days are better than others.
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- jschoof
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- Sandy
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- Fly High,Tony
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27 May 2008 08:51 #216148
by Sandy
1977 KZ1000 A-1
Replied by Sandy on topic front brake issue since caliper removal
Chances are,when you were "Cramming" the caliper back on,you might have snagged the edge of a pad on the rotor,and broke a crumb off,and now it's wedged it between the pad and rotor.
I'd pull it off again,and clean the pads,and try it again,but this time,take a c-clamp and compress the piston in so you can just drop the caliper back into place,without any force.
I'd pull it off again,and clean the pads,and try it again,but this time,take a c-clamp and compress the piston in so you can just drop the caliper back into place,without any force.
1977 KZ1000 A-1
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- RonKZ650
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27 May 2008 09:47 #216157
by RonKZ650
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
Replied by RonKZ650 on topic front brake issue since caliper removal
And just for info in the future. There's really no need to worry about applying the brakes when the caliper is off. If it happens just insert a large screwdriver in between the pads and lever them open. Even if you don't accidently apply the brakes, do this then the pads are open and slide right over the rotor. First tug or two of the brake lever and the pads close up. Also some drag is normal, everything that I own with disc brakes has some noticable drag when spinning the wheel and I'm relatively certain I don't have messed up brakes on all 12 vehicals or so I own, nor the previous 50 that all dragged somewhat.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
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- jschoof
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27 May 2008 09:54 #216160
by jschoof
1983 KZ550 LTD
Replied by jschoof on topic front brake issue since caliper removal
working on it tonight - will report back. thanks.
1983 KZ550 LTD
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- Grantl
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- KZRider is Da Bomb!!!
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27 May 2008 12:09 #216182
by Grantl
1981 KZ1000 CSR
1983 KZ750 Project Bike
1990 550 Zephyr
1994 KZ1000 P
Replied by Grantl on topic front brake issue since caliper removal
I like using a "C" clamp to compress the piston. If you turn the clamp slowly you can compress the cylinder all the way in--which provides ample room to install even brand new (thick) pads. Just watch out that when you are compressing the cylinder, that you don't overflow your reservoir and get brake fluid on your paintwork. Keep an eye on the fluid level as you go.
A medium C clamp enough to go over a 4 or 5 inch piece should work fine.
A medium C clamp enough to go over a 4 or 5 inch piece should work fine.
1981 KZ1000 CSR
1983 KZ750 Project Bike
1990 550 Zephyr
1994 KZ1000 P
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