Quick question about brakes!

Should you put thread locker on the disc brake bolts when remounting?

it is always a good idea to use thread lock specially on bolts holding moving parts or subjected to extreme vibration

I'd say use the Blue Loctite # 242 as it's removable with tools, the Red Loctites need about 300 F to loosen their grip, far to hot for brake pieces.

Which bolts? The bolts that hold the rotors on should have locking washers with tabs that bend against the bolt heads. I cannot speak to your model, but the KZ650 service manual does not call for locking agent for the mounting bolts or holder shafts. It does give specific torque values for each type of bolt, so whether you decide to add locking agent or not be sure to torque correctly. Ed

I am restoring this bike so I don't know what all was wrong with it before.

Mine does not have locking tabs....either because it never did or someone took them off.

Also, while I have the calipers off I decided to take them apart. On one caliper the rubber shield/seals for the sliders are in pretty bad shape. Should I just rebuild the brakes completely (rubber shields/piston seals) since they are torn down? One brake looked pretty cruddy so it might have been leaking around the piston.

Where is a good place to get these parts?

Below is a drawing that shows the lock washer w/tabs. I don't know if your exact model uses them, but I know that most KZ models do. I would rebuild the calipers since you already have them apart. Z1E should have the kits and the lockwashers. If they don't have the kits, try

www.cyclebrakes.com/

As previously mentioned, all bolts require a very specific torque, and many lock-tite.
If you are not using a torque wrench, you should buy some really good gear.
The proper torques range from lightly tightened to very tight, and cannot be simply guessed.

If you are using a proper torque wrench, then disregard this warning... :lol:

Peace.

Thanks, and yes I am using a torque wrench.

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I have the pdf manual for the J model bike but I don't have one for the 1980 KZ1000, are the brake rotor bolts torque specs. about the same? The ones for the J model say torque to 16.5 ft. lbs.

The only reason I have the J model manual is because my bike has the J motor in it.

badrhino wrote: I have the pdf manual for the J model bike but I don't have one for the 1980 KZ1000, are the brake rotor bolts torque specs. about the same? The ones for the J model say torque to 16.5 ft. lbs.

The only reason I have the J model manual is because my bike has the J motor in it.

Interesting and a very good question to ask because the KZ650 disk mounting bolts call for 25-33 ft lbs. Hopefully someone has a manual for your exact model. Ed