I have some time off due soon and I plan to do some bike work that I have no service record for, in this case caliper seal replacement. Obviously it's impossible to know for sure but I wonder what state I'm likely to find the pistons in. I'd like to have my service parts ready and I'm trying to decide between a seal kit and piston/seal kit. What materiel are the OE pistons? I notice the service kits tend to have stainless parts. Cleaning pistons - what's best to use? Brake cleaner and 0000 wire wool? Any tips? Cheers.
Will do. I actually haven't seen a service kit for the rear. I've not checked Fowlers but Square Deals didn't have one. I should include the rear though.
Hot soapy water first with a stiff tooth brush, then maybe afterward a squirt of brake cleaner to swill it off.. A smear with red rubber grease to lube the seals and stop further corrosion..
How did you get on Flashp? I've just done a full strip, clean and rebuild of my front calipers (2002 speed triple). It was a little unnerving to start with but actually, is only nuts and bolts! My pistons were quite pitted. I found a full seal kit for £50...but then found a piston and seal kit for £100 total. So, seeing as I was elbow deep I decided to just replace it all...now I know it's tip-top. I only bled the front brakes in the spring, but, that said, what I found in the fluid veins (?) that take the fluid to the actual pots, was full of a waxy sludge....I had to poke it and work it out with brake cleaner and a slim cable tie... But it was satisfying but also reassuring to get it so clean! New seals and pistons lubed with brake fluid and all popped in with a reassuring 'thunk'... Bolts copper greased and all torqued up. I treated myself to some stainless steel bolts, banjo bolts and bleed screws... And I feel chuffed that a significant job has been done well, and done by me! Good luck if you still have it to do.. happy to help of I can....