In trouble on rear tire change

[Whistler]

Okay, I have been looking and reading and convinced myself I could do this. I am changing my rear tire. Looks like a not so tough deal. Anyway, I took the wrong bolt out of the brake caliber and thought okay just put it back. Well, some how I got it crossed threaded and wiped out about half the threads on the caliber itself, before I realized something wasn't right. Yeah, I should no better when working with aluminum if it does not go smoothly, STOP! Anyway, mistake already made, now I need to fix it. I don't have a tap and die set, but if I got one could I clean these threads up and still use the caliber, or am I stuck with buying a new one. I checked hondaline and did not see a listing for a rear brake caliber. Any suggestions or ideas?

[T.P.]

http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148878&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1999&fveh=3478       $$$$$$$$ 234.00 yikes!

[John U.]

I did the same thing. Yes you can clean the threads with the right tap. Your chance of success depends on how much effort you previously put into cross threading. It's easy enough to run the tap in and figure it's good. The trick is to get the bolt threaded correctly after having got it wrong to begin with. Be careful and go slow, It's a job that requires feel or zen or something that can't be commanded by force; or buy a new (to you) one on Ebay.
Good luck

[Ricky-D]

Here are three for sale right now!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-gl1500-1500-valkyrie-rear-brake-caliper_W0QQitemZ370220222930QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5632d849d2&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-VALKYRIE-GL1500-REAR-BRAKE-CALIPER-GL-1500_W0QQitemZ270416333226QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef611c9aa&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-HONDA-VALKYRIE-INTERSTATE-REAR-BRAKE-CALIPER_W0QQitemZ320388478407QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4a98a435c7&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318

You ought to find just what you need among these three offerings.

[Whistler]

Thanks guys I'll check out the links. Might try and rethread as I have nothing to lose there first. Can't believe I did this, so frustrating.

[Whistler]

Well, today I went and got my Falken 512 mounted and talked to the local independent cycle shop owner. He was able to rethread the caliber and got my tire mounted. All for $10, actually I gave him a little more, but that was all he asked for. Nice guy, he's not sure about the darkside, but I told him I'd let him try it out when I get it all back together. I also bought a caliber on evilbay so I have a back up anyway, only time I haven't been outbid, go figure! All back together splines looked good, new seals and lube, still working on the rear brake bleed as I had caliber off but it's coming along. John and Ricky thanks for the links and the advise, Ride Safe. JDW