Vintage and Classic Hondas

'81 Custom Front Brake Issue

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Wagonpeddler

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Any help?

TOOLS1

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Administrator

In reply to this post by Wagonpeddler

Yes you do need to remove the two pins to remove the pads. To use the "pumping the master cylinder method" of removing the pistons, only the piston with the least resistance will come out. You will be able to rebuild this one, re-install it, and then put something in it to block the piston, and then pump the other one out.
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Wagonpeddler

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Thanks so much. Understand....so after getting one piston out, can I detach that caliper from the brake hose to work on it?

TOOLS1

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Administrator

Yes.
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Wagonpeddler

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

In reply to this post by Wagonpeddler

Caliper off. Next...remove the two bolts that hold it together, then pull piston out?

Thanks.

Wagonpeddler

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

In reply to this post by Wagonpeddler

Got one caliper off and completely apart...except for the piston. I pumped it out about half way before I removed it from the fork. Can't seem to get it out. I wrapped the piston with a large rubber band, then tried with large Channellocks....still stuck. I've added some Kroil, and will let soak overnight. Watched Youtube videos of the grease gun, and air pump method. Guess I'll try the air pump next.

shinyribs

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Administrator

I've used compressed air several times now with good success. Just shove a rag down in there to keep the piston from flying out across the room and do something to protect your eyes-brake fluid WILL go flying!

Good luck and good job on be persistent.

*edit*- Hmm... I just noticed that your calipers are single piston. The one's I had from an '81C were two piston calipers.

Wagonpeddler

Re: '81 Custom Front Brake Issue

Compressed air did the trick...took about 100 lbs. to get that sucker out. Caliper and piston all cleaned and ready to re-assemble. Rubber seals look good...a little silicone to preserve helped. However, the two bolts that hold the caliper together are different. One has a rubber washer in the center, the other does not. Truthfully, I did not notice the difference when I took them out. I will check the other caliper (which is still on the bike) to determine which goes where.
I can only imagine what a mechanic would have charged to do all this!