rear brake caliper dosen't like the cold

[madmax-im]

I just brought this bike back from ohio in an open trailer exposed to the elements.When it was time to off load it ...the rear brake caliper had locked up making a simple task a gut wrenching exercise in futility...Expletive deleted F#@#!Anyway I had to jump the like new battery as it was killed by the cold as well.Once I jump started it and warmed it up I was able to ride it and warm up the rotors and whatnot.The caliper then unfroze and was good for the rest of the day.Today I go to move the bike in the garage and it wont move again....brake is seized up.WTF?How can I winterize the calipers to keep them from seizing up in the cold???short of moving indoors...LOL

[DiverRay]

Check the threads on used bikes. Change All the Fluids!! , Then see if it still "locks up". You may have some water in the brake fluid, and with the cold, it will freeze. You may also need to change out the brake hoses soon, as they are almost 30 years old, and probably shedding rubber on the inside. That will block the "splooge hole", and keep the calipers from retracting.

[madmax-im]

Originally posted by DiverRay
Check the threads on used bikes. Change All the Fluids!! , Then see if it still "locks up". You may have some water in the brake fluid, and with the cold, it will freeze. You may also need to change out the brake hoses soon, as they are almost 30 years old, and probably shedding rubber on the inside. That will block the "splooge hole", and keep the calipers from retracting.

Thanks Ray...
Looks as though theres alot of info in the tech tips area I have already started to read them.

[motoman]

brake lock!

Actually, your gonna trace problem to brake pedal on shaft assembly has some rust it. Remove pedal and clean around shaft hole, then a little spray lube inside it. Bet you'll find it works fine then, no matter what temp is. Just remember, don't over think the fixes on these bikes. It usually is fairly simple if you don't complicate matters,.

[madmax-im]

motoman;
I 'll definitely try that first...sounds rather simple to do...there certainly is alot of info to sift through in the tech section.ThanksAs a rule i know that in general small things can cause big problems.So we'll take the simple fixes first and progress as needed...LOL...

[motoman]

Let us know here what the fix was.

[webbcraft2150]

I just had the same problem on a bike I have owned for over 15 years!!!! Lucky for me it locked about a block from the house. I pulled the caliper and rear master cylinder and gave both of them a good cleaning. The old brake fluid was a cross between gear lube and yesterdays coffee. I did not need to buy any parts. The hardest part of the job was getting the brake pedal shaft and spring back in and bleeding the system 'cause the master cylinder holds about two ounces of fluid. Pay carefull attention to how the master cylinder plunger comes apart and assemble in reverse order. The result of my two hours of work was MUCH improved rear braking. If your gonna do it, might as well do the fronts cause its just a matter of time before they do the same thing. Remember, brake fluid is hell on paint.

[madmax-im]

Thanks to all for the suggestions...i wont have time to do any
wrenching until this weekend ...I will keep you all posted..I still have a few things to do with MadMax as well.I have found it necessary to rejoin the workforce and un-retire...therefore not as much free time...and so it seems more than a few things need to be done.