How often do you overhaul your brake calipers?

[maximililian]

Just wondering. I've never done it, and am probably going on 7 years on these brakes. The rear is now giving me a b$*#h of a time getting the pistons to retract when I release the brakes, thus the pads continue to drag. Anyway, I'll crack 'em open tomorrow. Just curious how often most people go through calipers? Also, anyone know what's typical in terms of time between rebuilds?

 

[thomaswildchild]

never had to open them up and clean them but I've never been on a set of brakes more than two years so far...

Did you try cleaning the pistons with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol first? If you have a sticky piston take the caliper off, remove the pads and pump the lever a few times to get the piston to come out(they only need to come out about 1 MM, since that's about all the moving they actually do when the pads are in.) . Use the q-tip and rubbing alcohol to clean around the outside and then use a tire lever to push it back it... I just read about this in the new Mountain bike action mag. Though I've been doing this for a while. Then when you push the piston back in, put some dot fluid/mineral oil. (what ever you use with the brakes) on the outside of the piston to lubricate it.

Hope this helps....