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Hello all,

Picked up an 02 TBA for my wife a few weeks ago and found your community in my subsequent search for any and all info I can get these bikes.

Figured I should introduce myself as I have been lurking here for a few weeks now.

Since we bought the bike we have pulled both wheels for new rubber and brake pads. Of course I stripped one of the rear caliper pad pins trying to get it out. Fortunately I was able to get it out with the caliper on the bench.

The front caliper is giving me a bit of trouble though. With no resistance on either of the pistons only one piston moves when the lever is applied. The front brake is touchy, it grabs at a certain spot on the rotor. The pads show uneven wear, more wear on the rear of the pad which is consistent with only the rear piston applying pressure.

Anybody ever overhaul a caliper? It seems pretty straightforward but any advice would be appreciated.

Any aftermarket sources for the caliper rebuild kits? The local dealer wants 75 bucks for the kit! They also wanted over a hundred bucks for front and rear pads which I found much cheaper elsewhere. I'm hoping I can find the rebuild kit and pad pins cheaper elsewhere also.

How about aftermarket calipers if I need to go there? Dealer quoted a price of over 450 bucks!

Thanks for sticking with this long winded first post. This is my first Brit bike and I am enjoying working on it. Looking forward to loading the bags and heading for the horizon now that my wife has a real bike and can keep up.

Greg

I know there is a a pair of small clips that go in to keep tension on the pads. Rest against the caliper and helps to hold the pads in proper position. I didn't think these of any importance as I had one cracked and all seemed fine. That is until I changed out brakelines and changed pads simultaneously. When bleeding the lines I just couldn't get the front bakes to bleed correctly. After much frustration and cussing, I discovered that this clip was snapped such that it was holding the pad in a position where one of the pistons couldn't operate properly preventing the brakes from being bled. Replace the clip and all was well. Don't know if this is your problem with the uneven wear but might be worth taking a look at.

That's a good thought. I did notice both anti-rattle clips in place in the caliper when I took the pads out. I'll take a closer look.

When I block the "good" piston from moving the other one will move. It is only when both pistons are free and clear that only the one will move.

Welcome to the site. The piston problem sounds like dirt or corrosion. Disassemble , clean reassemble.

I just learned that one my first pads lasted about 10,000 my last OEM set lasted about 4,000 just saw they need changing today.

Thanks for the heads up on Bike Bandit.

The bike has just over 7000 on it. The rear pads were worn down to nothing. Surprisingly the front pads were only worn about half way. I guess the previous owner relied on his rear brake more then his front. He lived near the coast also, I'm guessing that lack of use plus the salty environment has got things bound up. I had to take a sledgehammer to the rear axle to get it started!

I did order the sintered pads based on the info I got from searching this forum.

Thanks for the help.

Welcome to the site! Where in VT are ya?