front brakes dragging

[RixRex]

Went to go for a ride this morning and noticed the brakes were dragging way more than usual. The right side caliper's inboard pad was dragging, so I removed the caliper and forced the pads apart. Put it back together and pumped the lever a few times and it felt fine. A few minutes later it would start to drag again. Any idea what would cause that to happen?

[TGHW]

Pretty simple really, dirty calipers. Best case scenario would be to give them a thorough cleaning. Worst case, pick up a rebuild kit and rebuild them.



TG

[RixRex]

Thanks TG. I'll give em a good cleaning today

[Wolfman]

Yep, push the pistons out a little farther (small piece of wood between 'em to keep them from going too far) and brush 'em with a toothbrush and brake cleaner. THEN push them back in, re-install pads, and check them. I also slightly lube the anti-rattle clips ,as well as the ends of the pads, to allow the pads to slide freely.
Make sure the edges where the pads sit are clean.

[RixRex]

Yep, push the pistons out a little farther (small piece of wood between 'em to keep them from going too far) and brush 'em with a toothbrush and brake cleaner. THEN push them back in, re-install pads, and check them. I also slightly lube the anti-rattle clips ,as well as the ends of the pads, to allow the pads to slide freely.
Make sure the edges where the pads sit are clean.

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll try that while I'm waiting for the new seals to get here. Weather's too nice, just wanna ride!!

[TGHW]

A wood paint stir stick works really well between the pads.




TG

[sillyhillbilly]

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll try that while I'm waiting for the new seals to get here. Weather's too nice, just wanna ride!!

suzuki busa parts are half price of kawasaki and there are the same, tokico makes them just sells to both.

[zrx24]

The right side caliper's inboard pad was dragging, so I removed the caliper and forced the pads apart.

That's never a good thing to do. It often times pushes dirt/grime back into the seal. If you're attempt at cleaning without removing the pistons doesn't do the trick, you'll probably just need to pull the pistons in order to give the seals a good cleaning too.

If the seals are old, they can also lose resiliency and won't pull the pistons away from the discs the way they should. You might consider just replacing the seals while you're at it. As noted, the Suzuki set is significantly less expensive for some reason. According to my notes the '96 - '99 GSXR 750 seals are the same as used on the ZRX calipers.

[zrx24]

suzuki busa parts are half price of kawasaki and there are the same, tokico makes them just sells to both.

Marvin, do you have part or model/year numbers handy for the Busa kit that fit the Rex stock calipers?

[RixRex]

suzuki busa parts are half price of kawasaki and there are the same, tokico makes them just sells to both.

Thanks for the heads up, I did some research yesterday and found out that the late 90's gsxr 750 uses the same calipers and the seal kit is about $40 from ron ayers, ( just noticed that Chris confirmed this) but I don't know if thats for both calipers or not? I'll check the busa parts as well.

[RixRex]

That's never a good thing to do. It often times pushes dirt/grime back into the seal. If you're attempt at cleaning without removing the pistons doesn't do the trick, you'll probably just need to pull the pistons in order to give the seals a good cleaning too.

If the seals are old, they can also lose resiliency and won't pull the pistons away from the discs the way they should. You might consider just replacing the seals while you're at it. As noted, the Suzuki set is significantly less expensive for some reason. According to my notes the '96 - '99 GSXR 750 seals are the same as used on the ZRX calipers.

You're right, I probably should have cleaned the pistons when I put in the new set of pads, but I neglected to do so and now I'm payin' the price I hate doin stuff twice!

Also, what's the best way to clean the pistons? I picked up some brake cleaner this morning and it says not to get any on the rubber parts. I was hoping I could just spray down the calipers and brush off the grime.

[fast4d]

clean brake fluid and clean ragg or lint free towel.

[ZRX Mitch]

Marvin, do you have part or model/year numbers handy for the Busa kit that fit the Rex stock calipers?

59301-33861

[RixRex]

clean brake fluid and clean ragg or lint free towel.

59301-33861

[kazman]

59301-33861

That # is for the seals AND pistons @ $68.94

The seals only are #59300-33881 @ $31.35

Ron Ayers #'s

[RixRex]

That # is for the seals AND pistons @ $68.94

The seals only are #59300-33881 @ $31.35

Ron Ayers #'s

Do you know if that covers both calipers?

[kazman]

Do you know if that covers both calipers?

I believe you need two of either.

[RixRex]

I believe you need two of either.

10-4. Thanks

[RixRex]

Well, you guys were right! I cleaned up the dirty pistons and no more rubbing Also got an unintended benefit. I've bled the brakes on this bike numerous times and could never get rid of the mushiness in the brake lever. There must have been air trapped behind the pistons. Extending the pistons to clean them and then pushing them back in must have bled out any remaining air. Now I've got a nice firm lever!

Thanks guys