Brake calipers froze up

[MtMark1100]

Anyone have any advice on what to do with calipers that are frozen. 78 1100e and it seems to be hard to find new ones

[rdmcguy]

frozen calipers

When you say" frozen" do you mean they wont go back into the caliper or won't come out or both?
Depending on your answer I would remove any obvious crud and attempt to
push them back into the caliper far enough to remove any heavy deposits and then
try to push them out with compressed air .
probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get fresh fluid to the calipers if you are able to.
Maybe might be able to get some movement with just that pressure.
good luck.
Joe

[bikerphil]

You can attach a grease gun to the open bleeder screw and with the brake line blocked off, pump the piston out of the caliper with the grease gun and see if they can be cleaned up.

[MaximPhil]

Hi MTMark,
If they are ON and will not release.Crack open the bleeder to release the pressure. Then clean the master cylinder "Spooge Hole"
Phil

[MtMark1100]

Thanks guys

The bike has been siting outside with the boots loose on the caliper piston. The pistons are froze in them . I've been looking for new ones and don't seem to find them. That's my first choice. Now I may have to try to service them.i will try that with the grease.

[bikerphil]

You can also soak the pistons down with PB Blaster penetrating spray prior to using the grease gun. If you fill the caliper with some brake fluid first, it should be much faster and not use as much grease.

[natemoen]

Most likely the pistons just rusted and seized in the caliper bore. HVC cycle sells stainless steel replacement pistons for $25ish each.

[MPittma100]

Hydraulic

Might first try to see if they will move with the brake lever with caliper off of rotor.

MP

[MtMark1100]

Caliper dilemma

Thanks guys. This weekend is my work time so I am going to get those calipers working. One other question is can the rotors be turned and if so is that something local bike shops can do?