Brembo caliper leak

[glennhendricks]

Went out to the garage and saw a small bit of oil under the front fork on the 2000 RT. The right side caliper had oil on it, after I cleaned it off I looked for the leak.

I couldn't find anything at first but I had my son pump the front brake and observed the seam on the caliper 'weeping'. It isn't pouring out but the seam shows wet when we pressurize the brakes.

Haynes shows that the Brembo parts might not be available and a new caliper might be needed.

So, any suggestions? I'll call the nearest dealer on Monday, it looks easier just to have them change it out if they have one. It also doesn't look that bad to change it myself so if anyone has any experience with this I'd be grateful for your input.

[ArthurKnowles]

I don't know if you'd be interested or not, but I have seen many RT brembo caliper sets on eBay. You may want to take a look and see if you can save some money. Replacing a caliper shouldn't be difficult, but if I were going to do it I'd probably take the time to replace the brake pads and get the rotors resurfaced too.

Some people prefer to use the existing pads and just go with the flow so to speak. I'm just to safety concious I guess. I like to know that when I need them, the brakes, tires, etc. are going to do their job.

[glennhendricks]

Good idea, thanks for the thought.

[kbasa]

Can you get a rebuild kit for the caliper? I just bought a pair of them for my airhead. It's not hard to do. You basically take the piston out, replace all the rubber bits and put it back together.

[fourbmw]

Might try tawvehicle.com for rebuild parts.

[Djstephens]

Went out to the garage and saw a small bit of oil under the front fork on the 2000 RT. The right side caliper had oil on it, after I cleaned it off I looked for the leak.

I just noticed the same thing on my 00RT today. I've cleaned it off, but can't find where the fluid is coming from. I'm going to call my local deal for a rebuild kit on Tuesday.

Stupid question, But
Do any of you guys know if I bleed the brake the same way as I do on the 1150RT with servo assist? I mean do I have to pull the tank and access the ABS modulator? Or can I add the fluid at the top in the reservor?

[Djstephens]

http://homepage.mac.com/djstephens/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/ServiceWorkBMW/Brakes001.jpg

I might not need a rebuild kit. I think mine might be leaking from one of the brass crush washers. Not sure yet. I'm going to take it off tomorrow and clean it better and see. However, I haven't had them disconnected and have never noticed those to leak on any other vehicle unless I tried to re-use them.
Anybody else had this problem before?
Thanks!

[glennhendricks]

DJ, I couldn't find the leak either until I had my son pump the brake while I had a light shining on it. Mine is leaking at that seam on the lower side of the caliper.

[glennhendricks]

Went to TAV at lunch, their office is about 6 miles from mine. :p

They didn't have a direct cross from BMW to Brembo parts but looked at what I had and got a repair kit for me. Cost $26. She said if it doesn't work to bring it back since she suggested it.

Nice lady.

[Djstephens]

Let us know how it works out.

I think I just discovered mine might be a seal at the top of the fork tube. I've got fluid and dirt buildup on several different areas along the tube, and my brake level in the sight glass looks full. I tried having my wife squeeze the front brake lever and look for fluid seeping, but didn't see anything. I'm going to clean everything later today ride it and then try and see where all the fluid is coming from.

[Djstephens]

ok, I was wrong about the caliber. It's leaking too. Just ordered a rebuild kit from the dealer.

[TheRoss]

http://homepage.mac.com/djstephens/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/ServiceWorkBMW/Brakes001.jpg

I might not need a rebuild kit. I think mine might be leaking from one of the brass crush washers. Not sure yet. I'm going to take it off tomorrow and clean it better and see. However, I haven't had them disconnected and have never noticed those to leak on any other vehicle unless I tried to re-use them.
Anybody else had this problem before?
Thanks!

Someone above advised to have the discs resurfaced. I wouldn't. If they are warped are grooved I would replace them. If they are fine all I would do is clean off the leaked fluid. You could also clean and reuse the pads.

Djstephens.... If your caliper says Brembo on it, and the bike does not have the linked brakes, the job is very easy. The picture you posted.... on my R1100RT I carefully unscrewed that fancy BMW drain deal, threw it away, and replaced it with a SpeedBleeder. I put SpeedBleeders on all my bikes. That's all there is to it. No fancy bleeding proceedure.

[Djstephens]

That sounds like a great idea. What's the part number for the Speed bleeders and where did you order yours? I would like to give them a try.:ear
Thanks,
DJ

[jenunn]

You can buy them direct from Speedbleeders. Their website will cross reference the right part for your bike.

www.speedbleeder.com

[TheRoss]

glennhendricks..... Nice RT...... mine is the same Opal Blue.

There are almost always several options available, and most people will have an opinion. I don't know everything, but here are some things I use on my R1100RT. It may get you started with some part numbers and sources. The 1150 may differ on some of these things so double check for that bike.

Brake pads:
Front
DP625
Rear
DP628 / EBC FA363

Speedbleeders:
Front
SB1010S
Rear
SB6100
You might also order a small section of clear hose from them. Some people use black hose from the hardware store, but I like to see the stream of fluid in the hose and the air bubbles.

Oil filters: Bosch filters #845 - just tell him it's for an oilhead.
www.euromotoelectrics.com. They also have alternators and starters.
Last time I ordered you got 6 filters for $45 delivered to your door.
You'll still need crush washers. Whenever I place an order with a dealership I get a few of each size for stock....
size 14 ID - BMW # 07119963200
size 16 ID - BMW # 07119963252
size 18 ID - BMW # 07119963300
Of course you do not have to go to BMW for crush washers. Any bike shop should sell them.

Spark plugs - on the R1100RT (may be different for the 1150) I use these:
NGK BKR7EKCN - it's a multi-ground plug available anywhere.

Fuel filter
BMW #16142325859

Air filter
BMW #13711341528

Headlight bulbs....
I love the Sylvania Silver Star bulbs. Available at Wally World or any auto parts store. For the R1100RT you need 1 H4 bulb. You might think about changing it out now (you will see a difference) and carrying the stock bulb on trips as a back up.

[Djstephens]

Speedbleeders:Front SB1010S

Thanks, got a set on the way

[glennhendricks]

Excellent taste in bikes ;) and a great list of info.

Printing it out and putting it in the owners manual/registration packet.

Danke

[Djstephens]

Went out to the garage and saw a small bit of oil under the front fork on the 2000 RT. The right side caliper had oil on it, after I cleaned it off I looked for the leak.

Did you ever get your leak straightened out? I just rebuilt mine, and seem to have less firmness in the front brake lever. I've bled the system twice now but it still feels spongy. Did you have any problems?

[glennhendricks]

With the job and honeydoos around the house I haven't been able to do it yet.

I haven't lost much fluid and am keeping an eagle eye on it.