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SDR 07 - Cleaning Front Brakes - Help!

NME

NME

2013-02-08 16:40:00 UTC

Ok, so I have seen a lot of threads about people having problems with the front brake, and it binding after non - use for a couple of weeks, and I am now one of these lucky people.

I have taken the caliper off, but I am yet to find a thread which details the actual procedure that KTM suggests.

I did find this one: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19475&p=235694&hilit=BRAKE+MAINTENANCE#p235694

But I was hoping for a step by step idiots guide to what to clean, and what size Torx head to use.

With the caliper off, I was wondering if it is necessary to pull the actual caliper apart, and what size the heads are for the 3 bolts on the side of the caliper?

It seems too tight for a T45, and the next size down I have seems too loose.

any help would be appreciated, as because it is the front brake - I'm keen to get this done the right way.

Thanks!

Superdan

Superdan

2013-02-08 17:12:00 UTC

I took em out now and again removing the pads and giving them a wash with soapy water, dab of copper grease on the rear where the piston touches.

But most of the time I just got some degreaser like MucOff sprayed the pads and calipers in situe and jet washed them.

weeksy

weeksy

2013-02-08 18:15:00 UTC

purchase some 'red rubber grease' easily found on Ebay. Use a kids paint brush after wiping the pistons clean on the outside face of the piston (use a cotton bud or three), all the way round. Ideally you want to push the pistons out a bit one at a time but you can quite easily pop them out if you don't know how far to go

If you can bring it just south of Oxford i'll do it and show you the process.

do NOT split the calipers.... at all.... ever...

NME

NME

2013-02-08 18:23:00 UTC

Right, thanks for the replies guys.

I had fading light, and actually managed to guess a first attempt at popping the pads out.

I understand how they work a bit better now - in regards to the pistons etc, so my next attempt will be easier.

Blasted the pads with Motul Brake cleaner, sanded the face of the pads down, and the edges of the pad (they are all nice and shiny copper now!).

I was getting confused on the other thread where it said "put the caliper back together" which I thought meant that you had to physically open the whole caliper up to get the pads out.

Thank god I didn't do that!

I've got some come copper slip for wheel bolts which I'll use on the back of the pads, but I'll have a look for the red rubber grease for the sides of the pistons.

I sprayed some brake cleaner on an old toothbrush and just wiped it over the insides of the caliper with the pad out. Nothing major - just wanted to remove any crap from the bike.

Just been out for a blast, and it feels awesome again! No dipping when you come off the throttle.

I had no idea this was a problem on these things until last week when I came to walk it out of the shed! Oh how we learn........

Again - thanks for the quick replies guys.... you are all due a beer!

weeksy

weeksy

2013-02-08 19:20:00 UTC

Tbh mate apart from missing the grease you've done a decent job

Ducati Pete

Ducati Pete

2013-02-08 19:23:00 UTC

When it comes to cleaning, Weeksy really knows his stuff.

weeksy

weeksy

2013-02-08 19:33:00 UTC

Post missing.

Ducati Pete

Ducati Pete

2013-02-09 12:53:00 UTC

Don't be daft, anyone can ride a bike, cleaning to your standard is an artform!

weeksy

weeksy

2013-02-09 18:44:00 UTC

why not split the calipers EVER ?

simple enough and allows thorough cleaning?