Ok, I got the bolt out (used step drill bits to drill the head off and a vice grips to get the shaft out), so now how do you get the pistons out? Everyone says the seals are easy to replace, but it seems to be a real bitch to actually get at the seals. Is there an easy way to pull them out? I tried using the brakes to push them out but that didn't work cause I think the seals aren't working anymore. It was leaking brake fluid out.

I just placed a rag over the opening where the pistons are, kept the bleeder valve closed, and very carefully applied just enough compressed air to pop them out. Like I said be careful. If not those baby's will come flying out.

I heard some people use grease also, but I just did the air. Easy access.

Good luck

Roadierob wrote:
I just placed a rag over the opening where the pistons are, kept the bleeder valve closed, and very carefully applied just enough compressed air to pop them out. Like I said be careful. If not those baby's will come flying out.

I heard some people use grease also, but I just did the air. Easy access.

Good luck

Sorry, apply the air to the brake fluid supply side

I'll have to give that shot tomorrow night when I get a new bolt. Had to drill the head off of one to get it out.

Air compressor is your friend on the one. I used my air compressor to push out the pistons but you need to make sure you have a wood block between to opposing pistons as they do come out with a crap.load of force. So make sure your fingers are not near them when you use the air. YouTube has a lot of good videos on that method.

The other way is to use a grease gun and attach it to the brake line on the.caliper which works also but leaves a lot of grease to clean out which I did also before. Takes a lo t of work to clean up buy does work. Once the pistons are out replacing the seals only requires a set of automotive picks to CAREFULLY remove them from the seal slots in the calipers. Once out new ones can be.placed and seated using brake fluid to assist in sealing. Just mind which way you place the top seal with the channe. If you lookbat the seals you will see a small groove in the top seal and it must face out not in.

Maybe you already know all of this but thought it may help. And DOT4 fluid only please.

I have used a half inch thick piece of wood between the cups and hit with air.

JEastonjr wrote:
I have used a half inch thick piece of wood between the cups and hit with air.

That's what I'm going to do when I get home tonight. 1/2" piece of wood and wrap it in a rag so the pistons do go flying out at me.

You will get 1 or 2 that pop rite out. Then I put those back in (all the way in) and hold them up against the caliper then try to pop the others out. Are you going to use new cups and seals?

JEastonjr wrote:
You will get 1 or 2 that pop rite out. Then I put those back in (all the way in) and hold them up against the caliper then try to pop the others out. Are you going to use new cups and seals?

New cups? You mean pistons? No. Seals, yes. I blew a seal on one of them (lost the rear brake, no fluid in the master cylinder and there was a bunch of fluid built up on the back side of the caliper).

Do you have the original rear brake hose on that bike? (while you have the system apart) If so, I would replace the hose too. Service manual says replace every four years. (page 3-2 bottom of page)Just my 0.02