front pads sticking

[leggman1]

1981 xs1100 special. It has sat for ten years and the front fluid was very dirty but the pads are sticking making it hard to roll. I removed the line at the master cylinder thinking it would help but they are still stuck. I know its not the bearings because I see the calipers binding. Help us obi wan.

[BA80]

Take the calipers apart and clean them. Dirty fluid = dirty calipers.

Use the master cylinder to pump the pistons out. The groove the square cut seal sits in will be full of crud.


Yoda and I will always be with you.

[skids]

Try doing a brake fluid replacement first.

[MaximPhil]

1981 xs1100 special. It has sat for ten years and the front fluid was very dirty but the pads are sticking making it hard to roll. I removed the line at the master cylinder thinking it would help but they are still stuck. I know its not the bearings because I see the calipers binding. Help us obi wan.

hi leggman, as already stated you need to clean the brake system.
Crack the bleed nipple on the caliper giving you trouble and it should release enough to roll around the shop.
I would replace the brake lines with those new fangled stainless braided lines
everyone is talking about.
I have heard you do not even need parts to clean the caliper and be sure to get down in the groove behind the square O ring.

Phil

[BA80]

Try doing a brake fluid replacement first.

hi leggman, as already stated you need to clean the brake system.
Crack the bleed nipple on the caliper giving you trouble and it should release enough to roll around the shop.
I would replace the brake lines with those new fangled stainless braided lines
everyone is talking about.
I have heard you do not even need parts to clean the caliper and be sure to get down in the groove behind the square O ring.

Phil

That won't do it y'all. The calipers got the crud.

[leggman1]

It was the right side caliper, I removed it and the bike rolled fine now I am trying to get the piston out to clean everything. I will do both sides. Once I get it all clean and new fluid it should be good to go ( I hope).
I just finished a homemade bike lift and will try to put a youtube link when I get it posted.

[ardvark1]

Take the calipers apart and clean both pistons and piston housings.
Also there is a return hole in the handle bar res.that may have crud in it too.

[leggman1]

https://youtu.be/gQrab1akru4
Link to the cycle lift I built and the 81 xs that I bought last week.

[skids]

Take the calipers apart and clean both pistons and piston housings.
Also there is a return hole in the handle bar res.that may have crud in it too.

Well, if you are doing a brake system overhaul, don't forget the rear.

[motoman]

https://youtu.be/gQrab1akru4
Link to the cycle lift I built and the 81 xs that I bought last week.

.....nicely built lift......beats crawlin' round on hands and knees.

[leggman1]

yeah, too old for that

[BA80]

Suggest using tie down straps so you don't have the bike fall off. BTDT

[motoman]

yeah, too old for that

....was kinda' my thought also.

[motoman]

Suggest using tie down straps so you don't have the bike fall off. BTDT

....excellent suggestion!