Basic brake bleeding, cleaning and replacement help

[afroese]

Hello all,

I have started to experience a poor breaking power in my front brake. It suddenly feels rather stiff when pulling down the lever and seems almost sticky. I notice i have to exert a lot more force to stop and near i must gauge the pressure carefully because it goes from nothing to grabby very suddenly.

My 08 gs500f has 14500 kms on it. About 7500 have been me this year. It's doubtful that any brake work has been done on it prior and I imagine the brake fluid may be well overdue for a change.

That being said I plan to bleed the brake lines soon and take the brakes apart and clean them, however I am a little weary before I completely understand what I'm doing. I have read several posts, have a fairly good idea but just want to make sure.

My main concern is addressing my problem with my front brake. I'm hoping new fluid and a clean have such an effect however I want to check the pads as well. If they too need  to be replaced I'll do it when I clean the whole system. I'm sure these are simple answers for many, but I just want to make sure I don't end up having a brake line spraying fluid all over my garage or causing some stupidity damage to my braking system. So in short here are the questions I need answered:

1. Do any of the clips contained within the brakes need to be replaced or can they always be reused if not damaged?

2. To remove the calipers from the bike to give them a good clean will I will need to bleed the entire system or is there a way to remove them without leaving the line open?
Also if the line must remain open, it is then filled with air, which I've read is a pain in the ass to get out? Is there a better way?

3. If I am taking the caliper apart to access the break pad (to see if i need to order new ones before i clean it) without cleaning it do i risk damaging any parts when reassembling if everything is still dirty?

4. If I don't have an air compressor will I have a problem getting the pistons out without damaging them?

5. Is there any risk of brake fluid escaping as long as I don't let the main line get pulled apart or the bleeder valve opened?

Your input is appreciated 

[ben2go]

1)Yes, if they are still in good condition use them.

2)You should be able to clean the caliper with the line still attached,just have to do it very close to the bike.Air is a pain to remove.

Do this with the caliper and new pads installed.Try to make sure the bleeder on the caliper is the highest point.Use a tube to run the fluid from the bleeder to a container to catch the fluid over flow.Remove the fluid cap and leave it off,but be careful.Brake fluid eats paint.Use only DOT4 fluid.No DOT3!Slowly squeeze the lever a few times,hold it in and open the bleeder.When it finishes running out fluid.Tighten the bleeder and repeat.Make sure to keep an eye on the fluid level.When I am squeezing the lever,I gentle tap on the caliper with a screw driver handle.This helps dislodge some trapped air bubbles.It will take a while to bleed out all the air.

3)It's always good to clean the caliper with a good soap and water.Just be careful around the pistons and seals.I use dish washing soap and a tooth brush.Then rinse,and dry.You shouldn't have to disassemble the caliper to remove the pads.Two bolt holding the caliper on.Once it's off the pads should slide out.Make sure to push the caliper pistons back in before installing new pads.

4)I wouldn't remove the pistons unless they are leaking fluid or the seals are starting to get hard and crack.I cover the piston with a rag and use a large pair of pliers(channel lock pliers) and gently twist them back and forth while pulling them out.

5)If you remove the pistons,it will allow all the fluid to run down and out of the master cylinder.Any time you open up any part of the brake system,there is a chance for air to enter the system.

[tialloydragon]

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Maintenance.ChangeBrakePads

[afroese]

Make sure to push the caliper pistons back in before installing new pads.

Thanks for the response. How should I push them back in? The pistons will be to close due to the increased size of the new pad correct? I saw one user do it by installing the new pads and then applying force between them to  make a gap big enough for the rotor to fit...but he did it with a screwdriver and it seemed like there would be a better way...
Also you mentioned just soap and water for cleaning. Have you found this to be just as efficient as brake cleaners?

[ben2go]

Make sure to push the caliper pistons back in before installing new pads.

Thanks for the response. How should I push them back in? The pistons will be to close due to the increased size of the new pad correct? I saw one user do it by installing the new pads and then applying force between them to  make a gap big enough for the rotor to fit...but he did it with a screwdriver and it seemed like there would be a better way...
Also you mentioned just soap and water for cleaning. Have you found this to be just as efficient as brake cleaners?

The problem with brake cleaners is they eat up plastic and rubber parts.I usually pull the caliper off,remove the pads,place a flat piece of metal across the pistons,and use a C clamp to push the metal against the pistons, pushing them back in.

[GSnoober]

Good advice on how to push the pistons back in from ben2go (as usual); I've even used thick cardboard to accomplish the same thing. If you don't have a suitable piece of metal, simply cut the back off an old cereal box and fold it so that it will act as a gasket between the face of the brake pad and the tool. As long as you don't gouge / damage the surface of the brake pads, and get them seated evenly, you'll be fine.