front brake caliper assembly SG

[DeanR]

When does the piston get reinserted? Before or after installing the PIA rubber boot/retaining ring? Neither way seems to be working for me.

Also, bikerphil has previously told me how to remove the brake switch from the front m/c (via the small release hole/tab) but now I don't know how the heck the rubber boot is removed without wrecking it, to access the circlip.

[bikerphil]

Put the caliper piston in, then the dust boot, then the retaining clip. I know the retaining clip can be a PITA and may take several tries.

[Radioguylogs]

There is no circlip to remove the brake switch from the MC.

After you peel back the rubber boot, look for a hole in the circumference of the plastic housing. Insert a small screwdriver or awl to release the spring tab, and pull out the switch.

[DeanR]

I know the retaining clip can be a PITA and may take several tries.

yep, but got it Phil. Problem is the clearance by the caliper body/base.

There is no circlip to remove the brake switch from the MC.

M/C innards are held in by the circlip which is hidden by that damn rubber boot.

[DiverRay]

Have the "open" end of the clip close to the body, and work it in starting with the least clearance. Also, put just a smear of brake fluid on the clip to lube it so it will slide over the rubber easier. I use a paper towel with a few drops of fluid on it and wipe the clip.

[Radioguylogs]

M/C innards are held in by the circlip which is hidden by that damn rubber boot.

Ohhhhh... that clip.

I always tear "that damn rubber boot" and have to buy a rebuild kit just to get a new boot.

[DeanR]

Just got the rubber boot off the circlip of the m/c without ripping it !!

Innards had some funky stuff in there, but everything wiped right off and looks like new.

Next question .. I read somewhere that you should maybe remove the white reservoir from the base and clean underneath. Not sure how to do that or even if that's a good idea, as it is so solidly connected, almost as a single unit. If it were to separate, then how to get it back together as solidly?

Also, I've gotten the inside of the reservoir bone dry a few times, and each time there is moisture present the next day. What's the deal with that?

[DiverRay]

If it isn't leaking, I would NOT remove the reservoir. The moisture is because the brake fluid loves water!

[jetmechmarty]

If it isn't leaking, I would NOT remove the reservoir. The moisture is because the brake fluid loves water!

The packing under the reservoir is not listed in the parts breakdown. That o'ring will have to be matched by dimension and be designed for brake fluid. Reusing the old packing is inviting a leak.

[DeanR]

Is this the correct install order? I neglected to take note.

Lots of pictures in the threads have vanished, as we all know.

So Marty, you would also leave the reservoir alone as DiverRay said?

edit .. I just went to attach the picture, and don't see the attachment option anymore. Can't we post pictures now?

[jetmechmarty]

Is this the correct install order? I neglected to take note.

Lots of pictures in the threads have vanished, as we all know.

So Marty, you would also leave the reservoir alone as DiverRay said?

edit .. I just went to attach the picture, and don't see the attachment option anymore. Can't we post pictures now?

Ray's advice is good. That being said, if the reservoir is nasty, I pull it off. The packing should be replaced at that point.

I'm seeing all the Photobucket pics. I'm using an app on Chrome that fixes it.

[DeanR]

oops, I forgot the pain in the ass photo posting process here, so I guess you guys won't see my master cylinder parts.

Photobucket didn't seem to be working as it has either.