Author Topic: Brake caliper pivot pin  (Read 217 times)

Offline Peterplank

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Brake caliper pivot pin
« on: March 07, 2026, 01:57:57 PM »
Hello all,
Before I start hitting anything...Could anyone tell me if the caliper pivot just knocks apart or screws out ?

 :)
500-4 K1
DR-350
600RR7

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2026, 02:04:08 PM »
Should slide out,

Use plenty of penetrating oils
Suggest you put the tee piece in a vise

Try to move the caliper arm,


It should have O rings top and bottom on the shaft,

Plenty of gentle persuasion

Don't rush it


Remember to pack with grease on reassembly

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lifelong motorcycle rider,and fan

Offline Peterplank

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2026, 02:09:36 PM »
Thankyou, about to clean, re grease and fit new o rings 👍
Could have sworn I was only doing the carbs 😆
500-4 K1
DR-350
600RR7

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2026, 02:15:46 PM »
Reads like Mission creep.😀
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline deltarider

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2026, 03:53:53 PM »
What's the issue? Greasing the pivot pin is NOT in the maintenance scedule. If there's no issue, leave it alone. With the front wheel out you can test if it swivels OK. Mine after 46 years is still untouched. When I breath hard towards it, it swivels. Good enough for me. :D

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2026, 04:53:46 PM »
No it isnt in the scedule BUT it is a necessary service item as found by multiple UK dealers workshops

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2026, 08:19:14 PM »
Even with Honda quality, seals perish with age, those used in  all weathers will eventually  seize, mine was pretty corroded, possibly salt ingress.

I'm pretty sure a lot of our bikes avoid rain whenever possible so it should be a long term fix once new seals are fitted with grease that does not dry out with the heat of braking.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2026, 11:17:37 PM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2026, 10:20:50 PM »
The main stand pivot pin isn’t in the maintenance schedule, neither is the rear brake pivot pin yet both require greasing every few years or they’ll either seize or worse oval out the frame mounts.
Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2026, 01:15:52 AM »
Very true Ken

Offline Grewth

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Re: Brake caliper pivot pin
« Reply #9 on: Today at 12:21:15 AM »
I always roast mine on the gas cooker hob.
Works every time with caliper swing arms, and also caliper bodies with seized pistons.
Good ventilation required unless you want to be overwhelmed by smoke inhalation