[ScrapMetal]

So I have replaced my master cylinder and brake lines, and ran DOT 3 through the system, then my brake wouldn't fully release, more like 20% release, 80% stuck. I don't know the state of function before as the bike was a non-runner with liquid crud in the res.



I have removed the caliper and squeezed the caliper piston out quite a bit (forgot to take off the dust cover and ring), and I have a few questions:



1. Should I be able to push it back in by hand if I have taken out the banjo bolt and released the bleeder valve?



2. If yes, I can't. If no, then is compressed air the next route to remove the piston?



3. Does removing the piston sort of "reset" the brake to be able to push the piston back in?



I was thinking of getting a rebuild kit w/piston, do you think the actual caliper itself could be beyond rebuild - rust/crud inside the piston channel?



I'm so close to making this thing road worthy now I can taste it! Oh wait, that's the brake fluid under my nails.



Thanks,



Scrap

 

[ScrapMetal]

It sounds so easy when you put it that way! I'll give it a go.



When you say deep scars I'm assuming you mean my fingernail would catch?

 

[ScrapMetal]

I would like to thank each and everyone one of you who suggested to keep my fingers away from the piston. Holy smokes!



The piston looks like a light polishing will do the trick. The inside of the caliper piston chamber could probably use a little too. I'll look up the "how to polish" thread and go from there.



Much obliged forum members!

 

[ScrapMetal]

Hey Shep,



You make that sound like I'm in for more difficulties. Where is the optimism here? Ha ha. Thanks for the link, no job is ever easy.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Here's a link that I have found useful. It's from another member's webpage. It sounds like your bike may be a single-piston caliper. But, the process is the same.



ofapars twinpot

Lima, great page. Thanks.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Just a note of thanks to all on this forum, and of course the invaluable resources within it (Thanks Charles!).



I completed my first front brake caliper rebuild/clean and it turned out successful. No more dragging front brake. After reading through the process a few times (and searching out pics) I found the job quite easy.



My advice: if you think you can't do it, try it anyway. If it isn't going well you can always bring it to a shop, but if you find it going smoothly, you may just save yourself $100 in labor.



My only excess spending was the two bottles of brake fluid to get it right. A welcomed trade off in my opinion.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Hey Shep, good thinking!



I haven't thrown it away yet, so looks like I'll keep it. Besides, you never know when you need to bleed the lines again and I'll already have a place to dip my hose. (Er, that sounded weird).