What years will fit on an 05? Looking to get a newer set due to one of mine has some pistons that aren't working like they should.
I strongly encourage you to rebuild your existing calipers as the "new" set (used, I'm certain) might be in as bad of shape, if not worse, than your existing calipers. Rebuild sets are cheap (probably cheaper than a used set of unknown condition calipers), and they give you piece of mind that everything is working correctly. if you don't feel confident in your ability to rebuild brakes, I am sure that there is someone near you who is willing to help. However, you might want to just clean the calipers first, as the usual reason for sticking pistons is dirt, plain and simple. Pull the calipers (leave the hoses attached), remove the brake pads, and pump the brakes until the pistons are past the dust seal. Then spray them with simple green or other soap, scrub around the pistons with a toothbrush, rinse, repeat. Then press the pistons back into the caliper, install the pads, and install the calipers. Pump to set the pads and then see how they work. And this lets you check the condition of the pads and all of the other assorted brake parts while you are down there.
I thought about rebuilding them but I've wasn't sure how big of a task it would be. I guess I might as well try. Worse case is I have to buy another set.
Doing what Pscook said above is a few hour job. Personally, I like to completely remove my pistons and clean them (along with the whole caliper). Also gives you a chance to take a look and make sure the seals are all good. But depending on the type of caliper you have, it may add a decent amount more labor to the equation.
Are rebuild kits universal or are they specific? I guess I need to so how do I get the pistons out without scoring the sides? I tried compressed air but a couple of them are still stuck.
To remove the pistons with air, you need to have all of them in. Then, when the first one moves, hold it in place until the second one moves, and so on. I leave the pads in place on one side and compress them all of the way down. Then I clamp that side in place and do the same to the other side. You need to basically work each piston and side against each other. It isn't easy, but it's mostly trial and error until you get them out enough where they all move equally. But I found that pressing them all in until they are flat really helps free them up to remove them. If you decide to put your fingers in between the pistons, well, wear gloves. Or stuff a rag in there to hold the loose ones in place. It is rather unpleasant when that piston pops against your finger, especially an exposed knuckle. They sell piston pliers (example) which might help, but I have cannon plug pliers which I use to grab the exposed portion of the piston and wiggle them out if the air doesn't work. And I just read about using a grease gun to remove pistons. I have seen this method before, I just forgot about it. I think I'll try that method next time I'm into my calipers.
Not sure about the rebuilt kits, but they always seem to be expensive. Haven't had to actually buy a set yet. Once again, see the above post! I agree with using a rag or glove. 40 psi can make those pistons really pop out when they go! Also, HIGHLY recommend wearing goggles when you're doing this. Brake fluid loves to spritz around when you're using compressed air. Does not feel good on your eyes, ask me how I know...
I just use caliper piston pliers. Simple, quick, and no busted knuckles or brake fluid air freshener.
this is what i like about this forum, you guys go the extra mile to help out with this type of stuff. thanks guys
UPDATE. Last night i reinstalled the original MC and another set of calipers. I have already tried this combo before with no luck. After trying to bleed the system for 45 minutes with no luck, i was ready to burn the bike. I sat on my shop chair and looked over the whole setup from brake lever to calipers. As i sat there i noticed that the lines going into the MC didn't look right. I remember attaching them and having a hard time getting the mc to seat with the clip on. I was fighting it to align so i could bolt it on. So i took the lines and reversed them on the mc and when i went to reattach the mc to the clip on it just fell into place. 2 minutes after bleeding i had brake pressure. Im not sure why this was the problem but thats what it was. One of the brake lines does have more of a bend at the banjo than the other one does. Anyway took it out for a trip thru the neighborhood and its good to go.
Great news! It sounds like the angle banjos were causing a slight air gap, which prevented the lines from pressurizing. So, how did it go rebuilding your calipers? Or are you going to swap these out when another piston sticks? I certainly hope that you properly cleaned the calipers and pistons before you installed them?
i didn't rebuild them. i bought another set off ebay and cleaned them thoroughly. i will take the original set and rebuild them. Yep the angle of the banjos were the culprit.
