If you haven't seen any of my posts, I am new to a 90' red, white and blue, cherry cbr1000f (and this forum). 25k on it. Almost sold it to take advantage of a deal on a tl but I didn't, and happy about it. This bike takes me back to my first sport bike, way back, a 87' 600 hurricane. Anyway to the point, I have a brake caliper sticking in the front. Is there a rebuild kit? Can I bring it back w/ just some tlc? Do I just repalce it? I commute on this bike everyday and need it dependable. I am taking it to the shop soon for some prevent. main. like a full tune up and some fork seals but I would rather do the brakes myself if poss. Thnaks for any input.

 

Hi Mate,

I had both front calipers sticking, the pots were sticking and the shafts that slide the other side were gummed up. I took them gently apart (forced the pots out with air, read all the warnings etc, etc....) and after cleaning up the pots put them back together (same pots back in the same place) and they are 100% now. No leaks, no juddering, passed the MOT with above average braking.

The reason I just cleaned them up was I could not bring myself to get those seals out! And as they were not leaking before I took a chance that they would not leak after. Try it yourself, if they leak buy some seals.

Cheers,

Rob

 

I'm with Kerunk, with one exception. If you're going to take the pistons out of the calliper, then replace the seals. They're not that expensive, they're easy to get out and easier to put back in. I've replace all of mine on my 1KF and on my wife's 97 F3. They're as smooth as butter now in movement. Using air is the easiest way to get the pistons out. I used a wrench handle placed through where the rotor would be so that the pistons wouldn't be able to come all the way out when I applied the air pressure. It only takes a little pressure to get them moving and have them come out. If you don't prevent them from coming out all the way, then they'll fly across the room at great velocity. It's definitely worth doing yourself. Don't forget to do the master cylinder as well. The kit for that one is a little on the expensive side, but worth doing as well. Good luck.

 

You can also use a plastic implement if you dont have access to air, just go nice and easy, take your time, and I would replace your seals, At least then you know that they wont weep, or worst still, LEAK.