Topic: Front Caliper Rebuild

[irinese]

So in the process of replacing my brakes I accidentally decided it was a good idea to try to clean up the brake caliper.  I realize now that since I don't know how brakes work that probably wasn't a good idea. 

I cleaned up the caliper.  Put the piston back in--fits great.  Now I'm not sure how to get the brakes working well.  Do I just pump away until the brake fluid fills and pushes the piston?  Doesn't look like the piston is moving.  Do I need to unscrew the master cylinder cap?  I've been looking online at forums but no dice. 

[Nic]

Does the term "bleed the brakes" mean anything to you?

[Johnie]

While you had the piston out did you replace the $4.00 rubber seal in there? Easy and cheap. Then you need to put DOT3 in the master and get all the air out of the line by pumping and bleeding the air out the bleed valve on the caliper. Some guys have trouble getting the air out unless the have a Mighty Vac to aid in creating a vacuum to pull the air out through the bleed valve. Do a search on this site for how to bleed the system.

[Stev-o]

Irine - yes, take the master cylinder cap off and fill with fluid. Note: brake fluid will damage paint, protect your fuel tank.
Read the brake FAQ here....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=259.0

BTW - you can replace your bleeder screw on the caliper with a speed bleeder, it can make bleeding the brakes much easier.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Speed-Bleeder-CB350-CB360-CB400-CB450-CB500-CB550-/390928987772?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5b052ef67c&vxp=mtr

[dbbrian350F]

Another item for my shopping list too! (CB 350F )

Thanks

[AbbyRider]

+1 on the speed bleeders. Makes things so much easier.

[goldarrow]

You can most likely get everything cleaned up, and only thing need replace is the fluid.