I'd wipe out as much grease as possible, then a soak in brake cleaner. Use an aerosol brake cleaner in all the holes. If you have access to compressed air, that should help cleaning the holes. Brake cleaner should get rid of the grease quite easily.Pony Ruiz wrote: Now I'm wondering how those of you that used this method cleaned the grease out of the caliper. I got the bulk of it out. I do plan on new seals so I'm thinking maybe soak them in degreaser and then pump some brake cleaner in there then brake fluid?
STUCK caliper pistons
Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators
- chewy999
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3214
- Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2012 11:21 am
- Location: Haddenham, Cambs, UK
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 7666
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
To pump grease in through the bleeder you need to block the inlet hole (replace the banjo with a plain bolt or install a large nut in place of the brake line) and loosen the bleeder half a turn or so.
I use mineral spirits to wash grease out/off of most things and for a caliper I would then flush with something called Tool and Parts Cleaner (aerosol spray from Canadian Tire - there must be something like it in the US), followed by Brake Cleaner.
I did a couple of calipers last week. I used the old master cylinder to get the pistons moving and in both cases, once the fluid had pushed the pistons against a single brake pad I disconnected the line, drained the caliper, removed the pad and put a piece of 1/8" flat steel between the pistons and the caliper, then applied air to the inlet to move the pistons into contact with the steel. After that I removed the steel and pulled the pistons out by hand.
Details & pics here https://cx500forum.com/forum/build-thre ... ost1005093
BTW: I believe that every shop should have the 4 basic solvents
Water: Cleans off dirt and, when used with detergent, some oil & grease.
Methanol: (AKA methyl hydrate) an inexpensive, general purpose alcohol. Used to remove sticker glue, dried fuel deposits (carb varnish), magic marker and a host of other things. Can also be used as gas line anti-freeze, but it costs a lot less in the paint dept.
Mineral spirits: (AKA white spirit, paint thinner, Varsol)(The only difference between the generic stuff and Varsol is the royalty that goes to Exxon for the brand name) Used to remove oil & grease that soap & water won't and to thin & clean brushes when using oil based paint. Good for black heel marks on floors too. With the exception of carb deposits, generally whatever methanol won't remove mineral spirits will & vise versa.
Lacquer thinner: Nasty stuff - if you leave your fingers in it too long it will dry the oil out of the skin and it will become dry & stiff. Removes any oil/grease residue left by mineral spirits so it is an ideal pre-painting final wipe. Removes fibreglass resin from your fingers and can be wiped onto the surface of old fibreglass to briefly soften it when preparing to add filler. Last chance solvent for whatever mineral spirits and methanol won't remove. Caution: will remove most paint so don't spill it on anything.
I use mineral spirits to wash grease out/off of most things and for a caliper I would then flush with something called Tool and Parts Cleaner (aerosol spray from Canadian Tire - there must be something like it in the US), followed by Brake Cleaner.
I did a couple of calipers last week. I used the old master cylinder to get the pistons moving and in both cases, once the fluid had pushed the pistons against a single brake pad I disconnected the line, drained the caliper, removed the pad and put a piece of 1/8" flat steel between the pistons and the caliper, then applied air to the inlet to move the pistons into contact with the steel. After that I removed the steel and pulled the pistons out by hand.
Details & pics here https://cx500forum.com/forum/build-thre ... ost1005093
BTW: I believe that every shop should have the 4 basic solvents
Water: Cleans off dirt and, when used with detergent, some oil & grease.
Methanol: (AKA methyl hydrate) an inexpensive, general purpose alcohol. Used to remove sticker glue, dried fuel deposits (carb varnish), magic marker and a host of other things. Can also be used as gas line anti-freeze, but it costs a lot less in the paint dept.
Mineral spirits: (AKA white spirit, paint thinner, Varsol)(The only difference between the generic stuff and Varsol is the royalty that goes to Exxon for the brand name) Used to remove oil & grease that soap & water won't and to thin & clean brushes when using oil based paint. Good for black heel marks on floors too. With the exception of carb deposits, generally whatever methanol won't remove mineral spirits will & vise versa.
Lacquer thinner: Nasty stuff - if you leave your fingers in it too long it will dry the oil out of the skin and it will become dry & stiff. Removes any oil/grease residue left by mineral spirits so it is an ideal pre-painting final wipe. Removes fibreglass resin from your fingers and can be wiped onto the surface of old fibreglass to briefly soften it when preparing to add filler. Last chance solvent for whatever mineral spirits and methanol won't remove. Caution: will remove most paint so don't spill it on anything.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
- 77Gowing
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2724
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Just use brake cleaner and flush the little hole out with the red plastic nozzle that comes with the cleaner.
That's how I did it and had no problems.
That's how I did it and had no problems.
"Less is More" Anonymous
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold )
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
- dbtroudy
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 475
- Joined: Tue May 06, 2008 5:32 pm
- Location: Fullerton, CA
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Yes, very messy but effective. I've used it several times when working on old brakes that have been stuck for many years.+1 on the grease gun. Messy but effective.
Just be prepared to clean all the grease from all the passages when your done. DOT 3 break fluid and grease are not compatible.
Donjamin
DBTroudy
Fullerton, CA
'03 GW GL1800 Yellow
'76 GW GL1000 LTD #859
'75 CB200T
Fullerton, CA
'03 GW GL1800 Yellow
'76 GW GL1000 LTD #859
'75 CB200T
-
- Tin Member
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:07 pm
- Location: Braham, Minnesota
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Pony Ruiz wrote:Thanks. I have some speed bleeders....never occurred to me to just put the g.gun on it.
Gonna give it a go.
The hole wasn’t too small, the speed bleeder has a check valve.Pony Ruiz wrote: . . . Putting it over the bleeder didn't work - hole to small I reckon. . . .
Gregg
Gregg
USMC 1983-1992
Army National Guard 1997-2009 (Retired)
1984 GL1200 Standard (all the pieces are there, but not together)
1984 GL1200 Aspencade bagger
USMC 1983-1992
Army National Guard 1997-2009 (Retired)
1984 GL1200 Standard (all the pieces are there, but not together)
1984 GL1200 Aspencade bagger
- sunnbobb
- Facebook Admin
- Posts: 21272
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:09 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/sunnbobb/
- Location: LaConner, WA
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Wipe them oout with your finger, and paper towels, whatever, then soak them in mineral spirits (parts washer fluid) and use a paint brush in the mineral spirits to clean them up. PS use real mineral spirits, not that white paint thinner stuff.
I found the end of the internet
---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!
1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!
1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31327
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
that white stuffy YUCK
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 7666
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
I don't know about where you guys are but around here the stuff sold as generic paint thinner is exactly the same as Varsol brand except for the price.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31327
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
down here there is a low VOC paint thinner which is milky white. What I have found is that once you use it, it separates out. So I wonder if it like latex paint
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 7666
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
I haven't seen that. The stuff I use is water clear. One of the big hardware chains here used to carry "Low Odour Paint Thinner" that worked just as well as the regular stuff but had about half of the mineral spirits smell but I haven't seen it for a long time. I guess there isn't as much market for it since alkyd house paints are almost unheard of these days.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31327
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
we also have the clear stuff. I only bought the white stuff because I did not realize what it was in the opaque container it was in
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 7666
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
BTW RE stuck pistons: Someone on one of the forums once mentioned using internal pipe wrenches for getting stuck caliper pistons to move. I thought it might be useful so I bought a set of them but I never remember to try them when I'm working on a caliper.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
- wog
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1766
- Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:08 am
- Location: FL
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
I've never failed using the heat and ice method. No mess to clean up.
Heat whole thing with a basic propane torch, then drop a couple ice cubes in the piston "cup".
Pull the piston out with plyers.
Note: I've only done this with GL calipers, not with other model bikes.
Heat whole thing with a basic propane torch, then drop a couple ice cubes in the piston "cup".
Pull the piston out with plyers.
Note: I've only done this with GL calipers, not with other model bikes.
Great to keep these old 'Wings flying on down the road.
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31327
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
what a great idea!
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- wog
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1766
- Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:08 am
- Location: FL
Re: STUCK caliper pistons
Finally found the pics I took years ago.
Nice to use physics to your advantage
Nice to use physics to your advantage
- Attachments
-
- camera pics 111613 281.jpg (130.94 KiB) Viewed 229 times
-
- camera pics 111613 282.jpg (118.14 KiB) Viewed 229 times
-
- camera pics 111613 283.jpg (122.74 KiB) Viewed 229 times
-
- camera pics 111613 284.jpg (127.31 KiB) Viewed 229 times
Great to keep these old 'Wings flying on down the road.
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post