Brakes have been dragging first thing of late. There was a bit of a squeal from the front. So I ordered some front calliper seals as the bike has done 260k and I figured it was time to replace them and clean pistons.
There was also a rusty smudge coming from the top bearing of the calliper bracket on the left side. Means the bearing has had it. Getting it out was a hassle. Usual drift would not budge it. Had to bash it to bits with a punch then grind a slot in the outer race. The race then popped out OK.
Having a metal lathe I turned up a brass bush as replacement. Should last 100K at least.
The pics show the dead bearing.
The real reason I suspect for the sticky brakes was the dry rusty sliding pins on the calliper.
Might be an idea to look at those every pad change at least.
I got the pistons out by working the lever with the pads out. Had to hold one side with a G clamp as the other was slow coming. Marinated the pistons in brake fluid before getting the mud off with a nylon scourer.
The seals I got here:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Front-Caliper-Seal-Kit-for-Honda-ST-1100-Pan-European-from-1990-2001-/201034904275?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2ece9d32d3&_uhb=1Cheap enough at $30 delivered in a week from the UK.
BUT they leaked. Only the odd drop, but they leaked. I had spent some time making sure they sat square in the calliper. I ordered some more proper Honda seals and rode carefully. In the week it took for me to pick up the Honda seals the UK ones have stopped leaking. I think I will leave them for a bit while pondering if the cheap ones will let go slowly or all at once. Then put the Honda ones in.
So by being a cheapskate it has cost me half as much again.
Still riding daily and enjoy every minute
