help needed with bandit front brake

[sgt howie]

just bought a bandit 600 '98 model and I need some help with the front brake!

how do i adjust the front caliper so that the pads are not permanently gripping the disk??

they're not gripping it that tightly, but it does need slacking off!! (it's fckin difficult to push and i've just worked out why!!! doh!)

many thanks for any advice

[F.M]

The pads are designed to be a very snug fit. Slide a jack under the bike to lift the front wheel and check the wheel spins freely. Any noise is normal, aslong as it`s not solid. If you must adjust, take the cover off the brake fluid resovoir which will allow you to prise the pistons back. Watch for spilling fluid...
Regards Francis.



>> Edited by F.M on Sunday 15th January 21:21

[sgt howie]

the wheel will turn by hand but it's an effort

so i just need to push back the pistons with the resevoir lid off??
obviously not spilling fluid on anything!!

[DennisTheMenace]

Take the calipers off and give tem a good clean .

[F.M]

Unbolt calipers,remove brake line,remove pad retaining pins and pads. You will probly find the chrome pistons are filthy/rusty causing them to stick. Clean pistons. A Haynes manual and you will be off.... Theres nothing daunting about the Bandits, they are just big lego kits...

[sgt howie]

cheers - I'm sure it will be fine - with all this crap weather (and lots of work)i've hardly had a chance to look the bike over yet, let alone ride it!!

[crankedup]

While your working on those brakes you may as well check that the disks are not warped/cracked. Unlikely maybe but worth a look.

[dern]

Sounds like the calipers are binding to me and the pistons need a really good clean as others have said.

Mark

[bennyboysvuk]

Yep, I think they're similar to the SV brakes in which case, there are a few things you can try.

Firstly, get a can of brake cleaner and soak the 6 or so rivets around each brake disk (holding it to the carrier). If these are moving cleanly then the disk has a better chance of moving freely between the pads when the brakes are'nt applied.

Secondly, like everyone has said. Take the pistons apart, clean them thoroughly and get new seals in there. These particular calipers aren't as open as sportsbikes brakes so the brake dust seems to build up in them more.