ST1100 Dragging Brakes

[TonyWorrall]

Hi folks - I have just read some old queries about "Dragging Brakes" on ST1100s

I have had 2 1100s for about 15 years and used to have the same problems.
Every time I stripped them down I found that it was the dust seal O ring which used to get a bit shredded and tiny pieces of the O ring would jam themselves down the side of the piston.

I once took a tour round Germany with new pads and after about 2000 miles started to hear metal to metal sound on applying the brakes. One of the front pads had worn down because one of these bloody O rings had shredded and jammed the brake on.
Since then I refused to fit the dust seals and just put copper grease around dust seal groove - I never had the problem again.

About a 18 months ago I changed to 4 year old ST1300 and the 1st thing I did was to check the brakes. I met someone to discuss the dust seal problem and was advised to keep the dust seals but apply a liberal amount of SILICONE grease to them - touch wood I have not had the sticking brake issue yet. Maybe the silicone grease is the best answer on ALL models.

Regards

Tony ( Pendle Parking Brake Manufacturer )
 
 

[Brock]

Good idea Tony, I dont know about silico grease, it may attack the rubber but there is a rubber grease that would do the same thing.  We need the dust seals in Oz, cos it gets a bit dry and dusty here.  At least we dont havesalted roads, to eat out the frame.

[TonyWorrall]

Hello Brock
I forgot totally about the environmental differences in our relative climates.
The silicon grease I used said it was ideal for the dust seals as it is also resistant to the high temperatures involved around the brake calliper. Rubber grease may have a problem in that area - I do not know for certain but would recommend looking at the working temperatures of the "rubber" type grease.
Roads are covered in snow and salt here so my st13 is still hibernating under a cover in the garage, and probably for another couple of months. Then we should be back to some decent English rain huh. We have to have a good imagination here about sunshine and dry roads without pot holes.
Make the most of your weather
Kind regards
Tony ( Pendle Parking Brake Manufacturer )

[Brock]

imagination here about sunshine and dry roads without pot holes.

We have the dry roads, though right now its 28C and raining.  Roads with out pot holes would be nice, some of the pot holes here are big enough to swallow Wales, its not unusual for a road train to dissapear into one, and take a week to crawl out the other side... 

[saaz]

The rubber grease I use is sold by a brake mob to be used in rebuilding brakes. It is a good idea though, and I will use it from now on when checking brake pads or replacing them, after giving them a good clean with brake cleaner.

[TonyWorrall]

Sounds like a plan
T