Hi everyone,
I rode my bike today, everything was okay, other than the constant squeak in the brakes. I know the squeek is likely due to the previous owner not greasing the pucks when rebuilding the front caliper. Not sure if the rear brake squeek is also due to no grease on the back of the pads. This would be helpful answer, but beside the vital question I have.
I just went to get back on my bike, started it up and found the rear brake seized. How can I unseize these brakes? At this point I know it's time to just replace both rear pads, and grease the backs, maybe even take the rotors to a machinist and trim an even layer off. I suspect my front brake rotor is a bit warped, unsure, but I'm suspicious given that the brakes would brake unevenly. As to the wear of the pads they (front and back) seem okay, not metal on metal, the front brake pads are new. If anyone read a previous post of mine about trying to fit the pad and caliper housing over the rotor will know I ended up burning up the guard with too much friction (ie not adjusted properly by pushing caliper back into housing).
Anyways, any ideas as to why my rear brakes are seized after riding? Excessive heat? Grim/debris build up keeping the piston locked? What do I need to do to unseize these brakes, and should I just go ahead and buy a new piston while I'm at it. Go through both front and rear brakes and make sure I do a damn good job with cleaning the housing, maybe even bleeding brakes, replacing the top brake line on front brake (there are some minor cracks starting)?
Thanks, sorry for the long message. Trying to get this thing in safe, operable condition again.