Author Topic: Binding Brakes (Read 4635 times)

Graham B · « **on:** January 04, 2018, 18:03:26 »

I rode my 2016 V Strom 1000 during the frosty weather when the roads were coveted in salt. I left the bike in the garage over Christmas and the front and back brakes appeared to be binding. After a squirt with brake cleaner and a short run they stopped binding however when left in the garage overnight the problem returns. Can you please give me advice on how to stop this happening?

Paz324 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2018, 18:17:17 »

You need to remove the front wheel and pump out the pistons slightly so you can give them a good clean then press the pistons back in to the brake calipers, if that doesn't solve the issue you'll need to remove the pistons and change the seals.

Considering the age of your bike if the brake fluid hasn't been changed from new its about time it was flushed with fresh fluid anyway.

After the issue is solved you could always give them a spray of WD40 or something similar for storage, but remember to clean it off with brake cleaner before you go for a ride.

pichulec · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2018, 18:25:15 »

It is funny, I just noticed exactly the same problem few days ago. Noticed because reversing was more difficult than normal... Looks like I will have to do it as well..

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2018, 18:43:48 »

You don't need to take the wheel off, just pull the caliper off (one at a time), pump the brakes a bit, remove the pads & clean with hot soapy water then a bit of brake cleaner.

They bind because of salt so a quick gentle hose of the brakes of the brakes and discs after a ride will help prevent them sticking, but a quick clean each month in winter won't do them any harm.

Here's a video (he does quite a few videos on all sorts that are worth watching)

And for hosing

SuzukiSte · « **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2018, 19:46:52 »

Has uk_Vstrom650 said each time you get in from a ride use cold water and wash down the bike, but wait for it to go cold first, this will help with the salt problem by stopping it drying out in the piston and inside the seal.

Paz324 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2018, 20:31:35 »

Quote from: UK_Vstrom650 on January 04, 2018, 18:43:48

You don't need to take the wheel off, just pull the caliper off (one at a time)

My bad, force of habit more than anything else as I tend to get this done every time I change tyres..

Fat Rat · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2018, 20:40:28 »

Your bad what?

kwackboy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2018, 20:50:51 »

There is a another language developing out there Andy. Has it not made it past the Welsh borders yet ? Maybe it doesn't mix with Welsh very well which is a good thing

Fat Rat · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:02:50 »

I am from Essex

pichulec · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:13:03 »

Thanks for tutorials, ill do it this sunday ;)

Graham B · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:30:48 »

Absolutely brilliant, thanks for the videos. Do you know the torque settings for the bolts for the front and back calipers?

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:48:35 »

23nm on the Glee, though I just tighten them until there's resistance then just nip them up. I also copper grease the bolts.

kwackboy · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:51:36 »

Quote from: Fat Rat on January 04, 2018, 21:02:50

I am from Essex

"Proper" ... You must have "chipped off" real quick and " bombed it" to Wales knowing the English language is changing, "sick"

Fat Rat · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:54:18 »

Sick? I may be

When I lived in Essex, people didn't have orange faces and luminous white teeth

mr_diver · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2018, 21:59:45 »

No but they did have lambrettas with faux tiger skin seat covers.

Fat Rat · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2018, 22:00:53 »

That was a Vespa you heathen

Hoggins · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2018, 23:57:37 »

Eek - I thought the torque for the front calipers was 39Nm (as per http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10963.0.html)?

Rich:-) · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2018, 00:58:28 »

Could also be that the caliper sliders are dry and sticking. If it doesn't slide side to side freely the slider rubbers and pins will need cleaning out and fresh grease added. Only used rubber grease or special brake grease like ceratec.

Graham B · « **Reply #18 on:** January 06, 2018, 17:08:36 »

Are there any sensors near or on the brake calipers on my 2016 V Strom that I need to be careful with when cleaning the brake calipers? Or any traction control sensors near the calipers? I'm afraid to clean the calipers myself in case If effects the abs or traction control system. I can't find a workshop manual for my bike. Anyone know where to get one?

porter · « **Reply #19 on:** January 06, 2018, 17:39:05 »

There are sensors for both wheels but if your only cleaning up the calipers you don't need to touch them. Loosen off the brake pad retaining pins, unbolt the calipers, remove the pins and pads, clean the pistons with whatever, water brake cleaner wd40, pump them out, make sure there all free, copper slip the back of the pad and bob's your uncle.