Brembo Rear Caliper overhaul.

[Steve78RS]

Hi Folks

A friendly request from the land down under.

I'm overhauling the Brembo rear caliper on my 78 RS. I have ordered the overhaul kit and new pistons.

Not having undertaken this operation before and finding a lack of useful information in Clymer and my BMW workshop manual, I'm looking for some guidance re: removal and replacement of pistons from those of you who have the knowledge.

Much appreciation in advance.

Steve from Dubbo

[SteveD]

It's a simple job Steve.

Two things.
1. remove the pistons with compressed air. Easy. If you can move them in easily enough whilst the pads are still in then it's simple. If not, might be worth spraying them with something the night before..some crc type loosening stuff. If the surface is clean and smooth in there, then reinstallation of the new pistons won't be difficult. Lube the bore with a touch of brake fluid.
2. when you pull them apart, do it on a clean surface, and look for the tiny o-ring that'll fall out. Don't forget to re-install the new one when it goes back together.

I had almost the whole rear off my bike off today, and re-bled the caliper whilst it was off. A bit of air came out, as the nipple was uppermost. Not much. I usually retroflush the rear system.

[barndeadr80]

I fumbled through a couple of front calipers not long ago. Found it easiest for me to use a sturdy cardboard box and place the caliper on the edge of it, the box edge fitting in where the rotor would. The pistons blew out with air using an automotive rubber valve stem held tightly against the hole for the brake line and air applied there. Had one piston that was stuck and after the other one was out, stuffed the empty hole tightly with a rag to baffle the air on that side enough to get the stubborn one out.
Be a good thing to keep your fingers out of there while you apply the air unless you just dislike your fingers.

[Steve78RS]

Cheers blokes

I'll get my little compressor into action.

Thanks for the advice.

Steve