Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Front brake help Front brake help
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree14Likes
  • 3 Post By turboguzzi
  • 1 Post By lslabe
  • 2 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 3 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 1 Post By backofbeyond

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: scotland
Posts: 101
Front brake help
Hi guys...im looking for some help....my front brake is sticking on..n binding the disc...i need help finding n locating a front brake service kit..seals.for 2001 xt600e.. thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Yamaha XT600 E 3TB front brake caliper seal repair rebuild kit 1990 1991 1992 | eBay

The pistons can be cleaned with a wirewheel.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
gee man, between bad idling, not starting and front brake it looks like your XT keeps you busy
just hold on, old bikes go through patches like that, soon everything will be smooth sailing

a good clean could solve your caliper, even reusing the old seals if they are still good. in 99% of the calipers i rebuilt, after a wash in warm soapy water seals could be reused and didnt leak.

one tip if its stuck like that: before you disconnect the caliper from the tube, remove the pads, put a thin piece of steel in the caliper and use the brake lever to pump out the pistons as much as you can. use a C clamp to hold the one that goes out faster. if you do it right youll have them pop out together.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Oct 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 77
I ussually just disconect the caliper, and use compressed air, they pop right out
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Oct 2017
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I really wouldn't advise using a wire wheel.

A brake piston works better when it's smooth as a mirror. Not scratched up with wire.

That will ruin the seals and accelerate piston corrosion.


I have a polishing machine to restore brake pistons with. You need to preserve their coating or hardened outer.

If you don't have access to polishing services, then you can very careful with very fine Wet & Dry. And using it with water.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Oct 2017
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
It doesn't matter what you use on your pistons as long as:

A: It doesn't leave a scratched, uneven surface.

B) It doesn't put flat spots on the piston or miss-shape it.

C) It doesn't remove any coatings/ hardening. Of which there are many kinds.


To post "Use a wire wheel" is ambiguous. Because without knowing the finer details of the process, someone may just use any wire wheel. Most wire wheels are coarse, made of steel and are completely in-appropriate for cleaning pistons.

Can you use a brass wheel !!!!!??? Perhaps. But that depends what grade of strands on the wheel and your skill to use it. I would't personally use any grade of metal abrasive on a brake piston. That's just my choice. It's too risky.

My professional advice. (And yes, I am a professional), is to use a Sisal polishing mop as these are actually made for the first stage of a polishing process. I use these a lot.


Going back to the actual point of the thread. If you're not sure about how to properly clean a piston then just buy new ones. They're not too expensive and they're widely available as pattern parts.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jens Eskildsen View Post
Most people dont have a polish mashine specifically for brake pistons...Thoose who do, dont ask for advice on the internet, so cant see how thats helping the OP.


Anyways, perhaps a fine scotch brite pad could be a happy thing in between, which just about anyone have access to, to use for the more subbern dirt/grime/brakedust?

A scotchbrite pad lubricated with brake fluid is what I've used to clean up the seven or eight brake pistons I've had to make decisions on over the last few months. Similarly, a small piece torn off the pad is what I've used to clean up the seal groove in the calliper.

If the scotchbrite pad doesn't clean up the piston to the point where it slides easily in the calliper or if there's any marks at all in the region where the seal moves then the piston is scrap as far as I'm concerned. They're cheap enough not to take a chance on - although some of the brand new aftermarket replacements I've been sent have been a worse fit than the rusty originals.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
front brake problem BMW r1200gs, year 2011... thomaslehmen BMW Tech 12 5 Mar 2017 01:31
Front brake caliper alternative 2WK 88' (currrent parts obsolete)) ElGamalXT600 Yamaha Tech 9 9 Nov 2016 00:26
OVERLANDING with an AWD Safari van? LAZ 1 Overland Vehicle Projects 0 13 Oct 2016 22:35
Enfield front brake jkrijt Other Bikes Tech 4 27 Oct 2014 23:37
Help with My Front Brake! Labrazzia Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 3 Feb 2013 19:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top