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Caliper Seals

i only replace the seals when i see the outer dust seal start to wear. ive done them for the r6 calipers
 
Just replace my seals and put new pads on @ 39,000 miles. New pads are nice but otherwise don't think the new seals mad a difference. Not sayin don't it just mine seemed to be in good shape.
 
On both my old FJR and current FZ6, I didn't change them out every two years.

Once they start to drag and not release fully, they get changed. My old 2004 FJR (same ft calipers as the FZ) went about 5 years. When they started dragging, we were coming home from a 5 hour road trip from Gainsville. The rotors were VERY WARM, couldn't get a 1/3 spin on them. Knock on wood, I didn't warp the rotors..

My current 07 FZ just got them changed out 8-30-12 at 13,200 miles (about 5 years).

Once I can't get 1 full, "free hand" spin on the wheel, its replacement time. I now get 2-2.5 spins "free hand". IMO, the seals must harden up and don't pull the pistons back in fully as their not as flexible.

You can also check by going for a ride, stop with the rear brake ONLY, and feel your front rotors... If thier warm, hot, their dragging too much and due for changing...

BTW, buying them on-line was about 2/3 the price $80.00 shipped to my door from these folks: Partzilla.com - OEM Powersports Parts from Honda, Kawasaki Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha at discounts up to 80% off MSRP vs $120.00+ at the stealership.

An air compressor will make the job considerably easier too...
 
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i;ve had my bike over 2.5 years now and I've only changed the rear seals

the front ones still seem in good condition
 
My '05 has 25K miles on it and the brake seals have never been replaced. The brake fluid was changed twice since new. No problems so far. But next time I service the brakes I will do a full seal/pad/fluid replacement.
 
trepetti said:
How many of you have replaced your caliper seals proactively every 2 years per the Yamaha Service manual?
Click to expand...
I recently changed the back set after a warped disc issue. 30,00km on them, I plan on swapping the front set out this summer.

Neil
 
TownsendsFJR1300 said:
Once they start to drag and not release fully, they get changed. My old 2004 FJR (same ft calipers as the FZ) went about 5 years. When they started dragging, ...
Click to expand...

I noticed when I put up my bike up for the winter that I could hear what sounded like the breaks dragging against the rotor as I rolled her into the garage. I guess this is what you mean when you say "Drag"?

I guess I need to look into swapping my seals out.
 
JimStl said:
I noticed when I put up my bike up for the winter that I could hear what sounded like the breaks dragging against the rotor as I rolled her into the garage. I guess this is what you mean when you say "Drag"?

I guess I need to look into swapping my seals out.
Click to expand...

You'll hear a little bit. What I meant in my posts (I was referring to the front wheel only), get the front off the ground. Literally, pull down on the wheel/tire hard and count how many spins it goes... When their dragging bad you may get as little as 1/4 spin. My FJR, when they needed replacement, maybe 1/3 turn (pulling downward hard) and the front rotors were very hot (rear braking only). I could actually feel the extra drag pushing the bike into the garage into its spot... With new seals/cleaning, etc, easily 2-3 FULL spins, SAME FORCE..

My FZ with the old seals, about 3/4 a turn (not real bad, I had cleaned and re-assembled about 8 months before). With new seals and cleaning, 2.5-3.25 full spins (I had to put masking tape on the wheel as I couldn't count the turns it spun so much faster...)

As stated earlier, if you just go for a ride on your bike (couple of miles), stop with the rear brake ONLY, then quickly (and carefully) touch the front rotors. Even in hot weather, they should be cool. If hot, the pads aren't retracting fully, causing them to drag on the rotor. Repeat the opposite way to easily check the rear brake caliper...

Also, just for S&G's, if you gently and just slightly push the pads in just a little (still assembled), spin the wheel, you'll see how much drag they actually put on the wheel/rotor...

BTW, when I compared an old seal next to a new one, I could not see/feel or distinquish any difference. You'd think it'd be, but the overall flex of the seal with the pistons are very little. I suppose they harden up and don't flex or just plain stick.. If in doubt, change em, much cheaper than adding in new rotors and pads....:thumbup:


2-2-13, Just a quick update. Did a quick wipe down after a ride(including the wheels) , 4.5 full spins on the front tire.
 
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Going to be replacing mine in the next week or two along with SS lines: '08 ~27k miles. Townsend has posted a lot of great info on rebuilding the calipers so I'm hoping it goes smoothly...
 
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