Brake cleaning

[Lee1980]

I used to clean my calipers out on my honda all the time in winter and used brake cleaner then regreased them with copper grease.

I was hoping they would be done on my 748s at the yearly service but they ain't been touched apart from fluid change.

I read somewhere that copper grease is bad to use because of it can damage the seals around pistons and it accelerates the corrosion of salt on the alloy calipers?

I have a big tub of graphite grease that is hi-temp and very thick will this be ok to use?

Thanks in advance:D

[Rob B]

You shouldn't have enough copper grease on the pad backs for any to slop around the pistons. A very light smear does the job.

Rgds, Rob

[rockhopper]

You need special stuff for the pistons, not coppa slip or anything like that. Cant think what its called just now though. Copper grease will ruin bearings as its only meant as an anti sieze compund for threads etc. The small particles of copper in it will destroy bearings that move (eventually!!)

[Jon]

Watch out with the brake cleaner Lee. The finish on the caliper bolts ain't that good. If left on to long or not washed off fully. You will end up with little fluffy bolts


I don't use it anymore. I go for the more teadious way with soapy water and tooth brush:(

[Edited on 9-1-2005 by Jon]

[chrisw]

Rockhoppers right, don't know what it's trade name is but it is normally a red grease formulated not to attack the rubber seals. Should be able to obtain it from a motor factors. I used to buy it in small sachets from a local factors when I overhauled the brakes on a previous bike.

[Lee1980]

Thanks for the tips guys,

will see what condition the pistons are in first, guess i can use the graphite grease on the backs and the pins?

[NBs996]

I use a silicon based grease, it's white and comes in a small sachet labeled "brake grease". Don't know where I got it from tho, just found it in the shed one day!

I would guess that copper slip is a little abbrasive because of the metal content, so would accelerate wear on piston/seal. Get the proper stuff lee, halfrauds ought to have it.

[Rob B]

I have a kilo of the red grease but I can't think of a good/safe way to post it out. Any thoughts? It's not for the backs of pads, I only use it on the actual seals and behind bellows.

Rgds, Rob

[Lee1980]

Halfrauds only had copper grease in there brake section, swore i saw it some where like you say called 'brake grease'.

Rob thats what i was concerned about damaging pistons really as any grease will do for the pins and stuff.

U could use those little bags where you squeeze the seal shut at the top not sure what they are called though, had some copper grease sent to me this way once for an engine bolt kit in the post:D:D

[rockhopper]

Grease for the pins and back of pads would need to be very high temp stuff to stop it melting and running all over the place ( as Coppaslip is for example).

Am i thinking of a lithium based grease for the pistons and seals?

[Lee1980]

The grease I have is called 'graphite' grease high temp and very thick so not going to go anywhere. Didn't want to use copper slip/grease if it is going to accelerate the corrosion on the alloy?

Just wondered if the graphite was ok for the pistons to:)

[Edited on 9-1-2005 by Lee1980]

[rockhopper]

Coppaslip wont hurt the alloy so dont worry about it. Its the brake cleaner that might do that.

[cashburning748r]

I read somewhere that copper grease is bad to use because of it can damage the seals around pistons and it accelerates the corrosion of salt on the alloy calipers?


bugger...:(

[cashburning748r]

Originally posted by rockhopper
Coppaslip wont hurt the alloy so dont worry about it. Its the brake cleaner that might do that.

Hooray! :D

[Lee1980]

It was off a bmw site and they guy said it was only if you rode in the salt to, as copper + salt + alloy are bad and he found his pads stuck in the calipers with corrosion:(

[cashburning748r]

cheers mate, I coppper slipped mine only a week ago! doh, last time I mitigated against salt I covered my disks in wd40 which caused my need for the overhaul and subsequent use of copperslip!

p.s love the look

[Lee1980]

Thats why i was worried as i ride mine all year round don't want more corrosion of course this is only one guys opinion could be ballony:o

thanks it looks even better in the flesh:D

[Edited on 9-1-2005 by Lee1980]

[rockhopper]

I've used copper grease on brakes etc for years with no worries. I understand what the problem might be now that you have put it into context so to speak but i would think that on a bike that gets washed now and again like most Dukes tend to then there wouldnt be a problem.

Actually having thought about it for a moment i would think that you'd probably have more problems if you didnt use grease than if you did.

[Lee1980]

Mine does get washed a lot of course:D so should'nt be problem for the pad backs and pins but still need something for the pistons:( if graphite grease is not ok? anyone know?

[rockhopper]

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/TechSpecs/RENOLIT%20RED%20RUBBER%20GREASE.pdf

[Lee1980]

Where to get from though none of my local automotive had it halfruads, motoman etc all said copper grease!

Seems silly to have to have it delivered:lol::lol:

[shonky916]

GP products sell brake grease. Can't find number though.