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Seized front brake
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 7:35 am
by smeghead
I thought I'd have a little ride this morning, clear the head before the Christmas onslaught.
Scuppered by a seized front brake, the Majesty was fine when it was put away a couple of weeks ago and now will not budge an inch. I am well pissed off,it's done less than 300 miles and is always kept in the dry. I've had loads of bikes over the years and never had this aggro. I am sat waiting for the dealer to open but I just know I have no chance of getting it mended for ages as it's Christmas.
Re: Seized front brake
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:04 am
by pikey
probably just needs brake pads taking out and freeing up
Re: Seized front brake
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:25 am
by sad vampire
pikey wrote:probably just needs brake pads taking out and freeing up
Agree, take front calipers off, have someone use the brake lever whist you use a spanner/screwdriver etc., to carefully exercise the pistons & sliders (don't let the pistons get too far out before pushing them back in).
The sliders on both front calipers on my Atlantic has seized when I got it.
Can recommend hot soapy water/toothbrush, followed by a blast of brake cleaner for cleaning the crud out of calipers.
Can recommend a little grease (high temperature stuff, ideally water resistant red rubber grease) smeared on brake pins, caliper pistons & sliders, to keep winter salt water out. DO NOT get grease on the pad surfaces or discs (if you do then use meths or brake cleaner to get rid of it).
Once you free them up, keep exercising them as you should be able to push the caliper pistons back in with your fingers (use a spanner initially as they'll need levering).
Re: Seized front brake
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 11:23 am
by smeghead
Hi chaps,
Thanks for the advice. I had a word with the dealer who said it could be just the pads stuck to the disc as I went away damp. He suggested I tap the caliper with a rubber hammer, this seems to have done the trick. It's nice and free, I pumped the brake lever a few times and it seems to be OK now, didn't bother with the ride though as it's throwing it down now. Happy Christmas to all.
Cheers
Alan