Rebuilding R6 Calipers - How much $$$ ?

[DefyInertia]

Issue: I'm going to rebuild the 2002 YZF-R6 front brake calipers that I have mounted to the 2007 R6S front forks I have on my 2004 FZ6.

MICROFICHE

Question 1: Should I really expect to pay $67 per caliper for parts 5/15 and 7/17 off the above ronayers microfiche or is that way too much? The description says "kit" but I believe it is per caliper, would you agree?

552972 CALIPER SEAL KIT (3MA-W0047-10-00)
548278 CALIPER SEAL KIT (3GM-W0047-10-00)

Question 2: Is it really necessary to replace parts 9/19 at $14 per caliper?

Question 3: If the above prices are way too steep in your opinion, do you have any recommendations on where to buy a "kit" at a better price?

Question 4: I searched and couldn't find any good info, is there already a thread about this on the forum?

Thanks much :thumbup:

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

When I rebuilt the front calibers (4 pistons in each caliber), both sides on my FJR, I spent somewhat over $100 in seals alone about 2 years ago..

Yamaha (thru a private shop I use) sells them NOT as a complete set.

I found removing the calibers from the bike was the easiest.

Remove each piston using air from an air compressor. Put a rag outside the piston as it will fly out and pinch your fingers (don't ask). When you have one piston that won't come out, cut out a small piece of hose, use your air compressor and put it in the appropriate hole... Again, watch your fingers when it comes out. If the pistons aren't pitted, clean them up well. I found the green stuff on the other side of a dish soap sponge works well. They need to be spotless. Remove the main and dust seals (you can use a dental pick style tool), clean out the caliber very good blowing out the orifices...

The new seals come with a small packet of brake specific grease. Put the grease on the seals and gently install them. Grease the pistons and install them as well being caucious not to roll a seal.. Bolt em back up and bleed.

I don't believe the R6 requires removal of the outside machined plugs. I know the FZ6 and FJR DO NOT....

Hope this helps..

 

[DefyInertia]

This helps. I know I can handle the actual work, it's sourcing the parts that has me scratching my head.

Not happy to hear you paid over $100!!!!

Thank you

Anyone else?

 

[Fred]

Question 1: Should I really expect to pay $67 per caliper for parts 5/15 and 7/17 off the above ronayers microfiche or is that way too much? The description says "kit" but I believe it is per caliper, would you agree?

I paid $110 to rebuild a caliper on my BMW, so in my opinion you're getting a good deal at 67 per caliper. Look at it this way. They can charge whatever they want, because you cannot ride without brakes. Be glad that they're only gouging you a little bit. :thumbup:

Question 2: Is it really necessary to replace parts 9/19 at $14 per caliper?

The anti-rattle springs? Hells no. Reuse the old ones so long as they're not damaged in any way.

Question 3: If the above prices are way too steep in your opinion, do you have any recommendations on where to buy a "kit" at a better price?

There are aftermarket part suppliers, but you have to own a shop to sign up with them. Once you do, you can get the stuff at reasonable costs. I looked into it years back, and it's not easy to do. They actually come look at your shop to make sure that you're a legit business and not just trying for wholesale prices for you and your buddies.

I'd buy the Yamaha stuff and install it, but I won't blame you a bit if you feel like you're getting shafted. You are, but at least your brakes will work.

Fred

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

This helps. I know I can handle the actual work, it's sourcing the parts that has me scratching my head.

Not happy to hear you paid over $100!!!!

Thank you

Anyone else?

I wasn't happy about the price either but they were dragging bad on the FJR (you could feel it pushing the bike in the garage). $100 is a lot cheaper than new disc's, pads, etc... I did use factory parts, no cutting corners here.. The FZ was just starting to drag, I took them apart and just cleaned (weren't dirty, 5k miles), flushed, re-installed with brake specific grease, works fine now... No dragging.

Unless their physically leaking, very old, you may try cleaning them and using the brake specific grease. They need to come apart anyway. You can check the pistons as well for pitting.. Its recommended to change out the seals but my 07 FZ6 wasn't 2 years old, the FJR 6 years old..

 

[victorb]

Try Partshark.com to order your parts.
Good / fast service, decent shipping prices, and usually ~20% cheaper than ron ayers.

 

[DefyInertia]

No leaking so after doing some more research I have decided to open it up, clean, inspect, and if the old seals look good, reuse them.

Thank you both.

I'd do a write up but I don't have stock FZ6 parts and there is already info all over the net.

 

[DefyInertia]

Is brake piston grease something that is easy to come by?

I've taken apart and cleaned everything and the seals look good to the naked eye, but when I reinstall the pistons in the calipers, it is very very difficult to pull the piston out by hand once it has been pushed in (with the seals installed). I'm hoping some grease will help.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Most automotive stores carry it. You don't need a lot. It does makes re-assembly considerably easier. I grease both the seals and the pistons when re-assembling. Below is what I use however I bought it at a local parts store.. They do sell it in smaller containers/tubes. The size shown will last a lifetime...

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24110-Caliper-Brush-Top-Bottle/dp/B000HBNV6W]Amazon.com: Permatex 24110 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, 8 oz Brush-Top Bottle: Automotive[/ame]

 

[DefyInertia]

Most automotive stores carry it. You don't need a lot. It does makes re-assembly considerably easier. I grease both the seals and the pistons when re-assembling. Below is what I use however I bought it at a local parts store.. They do sell it in smaller containers/tubes. The size shown will last a lifetime...

Amazon.com: Permatex 24110 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, 8 oz Brush-Top Bottle: Automotive

Thank you, sir.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Your welcome!

 

[DefyInertia]

Did you use this grease on the sliding pins and what not or did you acutally use this grease on the internal caliper pistons and seals?



I'm looking for the grease/lube that is safe for use inside the caliper on the piston seals and dust seals and I'm not sure the above is meant for that? I found some similar stuff locally but is specifically said "not for use on internal caliper pistons".

Have not had great luck finding the assembly lube I'm looking for....

 

[Fred]

Defy,

I got some of the assembly lube that you're talking about with my BMW brake rebuild kit, but that's the only time I've ever seen it.

For the initial assembly, just lube the seals and piston with clean brake fluid. That will do the trick as it has for me in the past.

Fred

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Did you use this grease on the sliding pins and what not or did you acutally use this grease on the internal caliper pistons and seals?



I'm looking for the grease/lube that is safe for use inside the caliper on the piston seals and dust seals and I'm not sure the above is meant for that? I found some similar stuff locally but is specifically said "not for use on internal caliper pistons".

Have not had great luck finding the assembly lube I'm looking for....

Yes that's what I use. Use it on the pistons/seals and pins. It says it on the can, that's exactly what its for.. Good stuff! Just a light coating is all that's needed..

From the sales ad:

"Product Description
Formulated to lubricate under the most adverse brake conditions assuring that critical caliper pins, sleeves, bushings and pistons remain lubricated throughout pad life

From the technical PDF on the use of this brake grease: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81iHoVJLyMS.pdf



If what your finding says don't use on the piston, DO NOT USE IT.

BTW, when you buy new genuine Yamaha brake seals, it comes with very small packets of brake grease for re-assembly...

 

[DefyInertia]

Ok i'm going to buy it...it will go to good use. Just learned how to better use Amazon as well...thanks. I feel like I owe you for all the help! :thumbup:

"You must spread some reputation around before giving it to TownsendFJR1300 again"

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Let me know how it works out for you. I think you'll be very happy with it.

I've used it on my 04 FJR, 05 KLR and 07 FZ6 and have been very happy with the results. Absolutly no dragging brakes anymore....

When I found this product, and mentioned it on one FJR forum (and a KLR forum) several folks went ballastic, use brake fluid only (which I always had prior). I learned about the grease when I put new seals in the FJR as well as the local shop which races bikes/builds bikes/has a dyno-(whom I trust).

Once I posted info about the product and uses, seemed everyone might have learned something and things calmed down. I've been wrenching on bikes (or anything for that fact since 15 and am 51 now). If I find something new that works, I like to let other folks that help me know. There's other folks won't use it no matter what or even try it and that's fine..