front brakes not releasing question

[LAnthony]

My front brakes are not releasing easily after front brake pad change.  I believe this is being caused by build up on the pucks that push in the brake shoes.  I am going to pull the pucks out of the callipers and clean/lube and reinstall them.  Can this be done without changing the seal beneath the puck or should I order them before I start.  Thanks.

[X Ring]

By puck do you mean piston?  If so, remove the caliper and take the pads out.  Clean the pistons and before you push them back in, crack the bleeding nipples.  Also clean the pins the pads slide on.  Tighten the nipples and reinstall the pads and calipers.  After doing both sides make sure you bleed the system.

Marty

[Bone]

The seals should be OK. Pushing the dirty pistons in can damage the seals. Removing them and cleaning should prevent any damage.

[Ricky-D]

My front brakes are not releasing easily after front brake pad change.  I believe this is being caused by build up on the pucks that push in the brake shoes.  I am going to pull the pucks out of the callipers and clean/lube and reinstall them.  Can this be done without changing the seal beneath the puck or should I order them before I start.  Thanks.

I don't know what you mean by "releasing easily" but, there is no force applied to aid disengagement, only thing that happens is "release of force".

With new shoes there is a period of time where the pads might rub a little more, a "wear in" period you might say!

My suggestion is to do nothing for a while and you will find they are returning back to what you consider "normal" operation.

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[RP#62]

True, there is no force applied, but the seal tends to grip the piston and once you release the pressure, it tends to "relax" and pull the piston back a little.  That is as long is the piston is free to move i.e not all gunked up.
-RP

[Ricky-D]

My front brakes are not releasing easily after front brake pad change.  I believe this is being caused by build up on the pucks that push in the brake shoes.  I am going to pull the pucks out of the callipers and clean/lube and reinstall them.  Can this be done without changing the seal beneath the puck or should I order them before I start.  Thanks.

No you can't do that!  The calipers are not like an automobile brake cylinder. If you look in the manual you will see how they are designed.

Pulling out the piston will release all the brake fluid in the caliper.

***

[Tropic traveler]

You are most likely correct in your diagnosis, L.
Same thing happened to Kim's 98 Valk. Lotsa garage time on her bike before we got it. I scraped the gunk off the pistons then polished them with 1000 grit paper using brake fluid as a lube. Don't forget to GENTLY scrape the gunk that is also built up in the caliper bore between the seal & the end of the bore. I guarantee there will be build up there. I used just my fingernail & brake fluid so I wouldn't damage the seal. Works perfectly now.  

[LAnthony]

Thanks, were you able to get the piston out without loosing all the fluid?  I guess it's not that big of a deal, I plan on working on it tomorrow and want to know how much of a mess to expect.  Thanks

[Tropic traveler]

Thanks, were you able to get the piston out without loosing all the fluid?  I guess it's not that big of a deal, I plan on working on it tomorrow and want to know how much of a mess to expect.  Thanks

Nope. Made a big mess {of course} as I pumped the pistons out using the hydraulic action of the m/cylinder. Obviously you have to do one side at a time & a complete re-bleed will be in order.

[F6Viking]

I just installed new pads this weekend. Before the new pads I did a little extra work, pulled both calipers and tore them down completely. Was a little intimidated at first but once I got through the first one, was a piece of cake.
You will lose all of your fluid if you pull the pistons. Easiest way will be to take of one side at a time so you can get it on a bench to do the work. Loosen banjo bolt at the brake and let it drain into a bucket. Once you get both sides done refill and bleed. One good thing to doing it this way is it insures all new fluid through you brake lines.
Went to all the extra work because of some recent posts similar to your problem. Was worth it, was nice putting completely clean calipers back on the bike.