So I took the caliper apart and it was very dirty and rusty. I was able to eventually get the piston out. I've cleaned it but 2 questions that I think I know the answer to because I ordered new ones but thought I'd ask. Should I replace this piston because it has pits in it? And would you replace these pads? And if you'd replace the pads is it simply just put the new ones in or do I have to prep them?
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Front brake
- Thread starter crybinsk
- Start date
Brake pads will contaminate pretty easily from brake fluid, fork oil, etc. Unless you know their history, I'd just replace 'em to be on the safe side.
That's just a bit past? what I'd reuse, a couple small pits pass my sniff test. I use 1000 grit and make sure they don't have any sharp edges.but each has to judge for themselves.
Actually, I've reused pistons that look worse.... Shhh.... 
Depends on the pits. If it's just the chrome gone and not bad underneath, you can scotchbrite 'em and they'll usually seal just fine.
If the pitting goes into to piston's metal itself, I'll toss it. That make sense?
Depends on the pits. If it's just the chrome gone and not bad underneath, you can scotchbrite 'em and they'll usually seal just fine.
If the pitting goes into to piston's metal itself, I'll toss it. That make sense?
Thanks Jim?Actually, I've reused pistons that look worse.... Shhh....
Depends on the pits. If it's just the chrome gone and not bad underneath, you can scotchbrite 'em and they'll usually seal just fine.
If the pitting goes into to piston's metal itself, I'll toss it. That make sense?
Be sure to check and lube the caliper slider also.
On front brakes just do it all every time. R&R caliper, MC and replace the lines. Just do it.
Found in the tech section, https://www.xs650.com/threads/master-cylinder-rebuilding.7862/
Covers brake switch removal.
And this thread covers your caliper
https://www.xs650.com/threads/help-with-caliper-rebuild.41676/
On front brakes just do it all every time. R&R caliper, MC and replace the lines. Just do it.
Found in the tech section, https://www.xs650.com/threads/master-cylinder-rebuilding.7862/
Covers brake switch removal.
And this thread covers your caliper
https://www.xs650.com/threads/help-with-caliper-rebuild.41676/
Thanks Gary I used your post here as my reference. It has brand new lines. I'm cleaning the master cylinder as well. Any suggestions on grease for the caliper piston?
I use brake fluid as assembly lube some others use red rubber grease.
If the pits in the piston are above the section that moves through the seal, then they would be fine. The section of piston that sits outside of the caliper often gets all rusty, but it doesn't hurt anything because that section isn't moving through the seal. And speaking of the seal, be sure to remove it and thoroughly clean the crust out of it's groove in the caliper wall. Over time, brake fluid works it's way in behind the seal, dries out, and forms a "crust". Eventually, this forces the seal out more and the brake starts sticking or hanging up.
If I do replace a piston, I get a stainless one. They're not much more than the original steel type, and they'll never rust. Those pads look like they're coated with grease or oil. If that's the case then they're toast, you can't clean them, I tried, lol. Brake cleaner got them looking nice and clean, but within an hour or so, more oil oozed to their surface and they turned all dark again. The pad is like a sponge, lol, and soaks up oil big time.
As far as what brand pad to get, any is good, including originals. I really like originals and think they work quite well. I do run aftermarket though, Ferodo Platinums. At first I didn't like them, didn't think they were much, if any, better than stock. But once they bedded in, they were quite good.
If I do replace a piston, I get a stainless one. They're not much more than the original steel type, and they'll never rust. Those pads look like they're coated with grease or oil. If that's the case then they're toast, you can't clean them, I tried, lol. Brake cleaner got them looking nice and clean, but within an hour or so, more oil oozed to their surface and they turned all dark again. The pad is like a sponge, lol, and soaks up oil big time.
As far as what brand pad to get, any is good, including originals. I really like originals and think they work quite well. I do run aftermarket though, Ferodo Platinums. At first I didn't like them, didn't think they were much, if any, better than stock. But once they bedded in, they were quite good.
I've found the caltric pads work fine, direct, on fleabay, or amazon.
https://caltric.com/search.html?q=xs650&page=1
memory sez they might have the squeal shims with them. Dunno
90% + of the pads I replace are fork oil soaked not worn out.
And that might be a hint, cough, fork seals.
Related: if the pads are oil soaked the dust seal will need to be replaced cuz the fork oil causes it to swell.
https://caltric.com/search.html?q=xs650&page=1
memory sez they might have the squeal shims with them. Dunno
90% + of the pads I replace are fork oil soaked
not worn out.And that might be a hint, cough, fork seals.
Related: if the pads are oil soaked the dust seal will need to be replaced cuz the fork oil causes it to swell.
Thanks for the advice. Yes I pulled and cleaned the the seal and you are correct it was filthy behind it. The reason I asked about the brake was because I couldn't get them cleaned. Must have been full of grease. The piston had deep pits all the way down the side. Although not wife they were somewhat deep like someone in the past tried to pry them out.
The PO said he replaced the fork oil and seals and they aren't leaking and have evidence that this was doneI've found the caltric pads work fine, direct, on fleabay, or amazon.
https://caltric.com/search.html?q=xs650&page=1
memory sez they might have the squeal shims with them. Dunno
90% + of the pads I replace are fork oil soaked
And that might be a hint, cough, fork seals.
Related: if the pads are oil soaked the dust seal will need to be replaced cuz the fork oil causes it to swell.
The screw fits in the hole at the back of the pad and that answers the question. 
Yes it does. ThanksThe screw fits in the hole at the back of the pad and that answers the question.
View attachment 350481
Yes, DOT 3
I feel like the picture of the forks and caliper mounted ass backwards should be in the WTF pictures thread. That's how speechless I am.
Ok Gary I got the master cylinder kit today. I understand most of the order except when does the washer go in? On the piston before the snap ring I assume? They also include rubber grease but most of the people online use some brake fluid. Is there a preference?
