Front brake calipers bad says shop... Rebuild or replace?

[LostLake]

I've got almost 50,000 on my 2001 Ultra and I took it in to have it looked at, you know check the swingarm and head bearings, all the stuff HD wants checked.

The service guy looked at the front pads and squeezed the chicken handle on the handlebar and said the calipers should be rebuilt because the pads are wearing unevenly and the chicken lever pulls back too far.

He quoted an additional $450 in American money to rebuild the calipers and put on new pads.

He also quoted new calipers at $190 a copy.

I kind of know my way around a shop, can find the beer fridge in the dark at least and have a vice, so my questions are:

1. Is rebuilding a good idea when new sounds like similar money?
B. Should I rebuild myself and save some coin which is better spent on beer?
3. Should I just buy new?
4. When I say new, do I want Harley OEM?
E. Is the service guys wacked and I just need need to clean something or lube somewhere?
6. Is anyone still reading these options?
7. Is Rex back on here????

JD

[arthureld]

I'd be tempted to just put new pads in there. I'm sure you'll hear from someone smarter than me.

How ya doin LL?

[LostLake]

Doing well sir... Not working much this year so far. Maybe did two weeks worth since last December. Kind of like it!! I do a lot of shopping, a lot of buying. Those two activities will eventually converge to cause problems!!!

[Nitram_b4]

I would rebuild them myself

[LostLake]

I'm thinking when I get the bike back I'll take them off and see if they just need cleaning. Been reading a lot about the need to clean the pistons at each pad change....

[arthureld]

Since you have time on your hands, just buy a rebuild kit. You should be able to get the specs on the piston and bore size and tolerance just to be sure they're ok.
I'm having a hard time imagining your piston being so wore out after 50,000 miles that it would wear your pads crooked. But no sense taking chances since you have the time.
It's a pretty easy job anyway. Get Coolhawg to help you.

[LostLake]

Yeah, I can get a rebuild kit. I used to hone old drum cylinders. Can't be much different.
No I don't think there's a major problem, but maybe they need a good cleaning and some movement.

PS, CoolHawg and I don't work well together. While I'm looking at something he's getting more beer, and vice versa. Pretty soon we're just drinking beer as fast as we can.... I seriously think I need to slow down with beer. Been thinking of taking up something new, just have to figure out what!!!!

[Wide]

I would just get a new deal

Sell the old ones on ebay

You can rebuild them they are very simple but I like to do upgrades to the brakes where possible

[wreckerman]

1. Is rebuilding a good idea when new sounds like similar money?
B. Should I rebuild myself and save some coin which is better spent on beer?
3. Should I just buy new?
4. When I say new, do I want Harley OEM?
E. Is the service guys wacked and I just need need to clean something or lube somewhere?
6. Is anyone still reading these options?
7. Is Rex back on here????

Speaking for myself : 1 is a no brainier rebuilt is fine
b rebuilding these is very easy
3 if you have money to put out better spent on floating rotors or more beer
4 although that are many option for after market , Harley setup is about all you would ever need
E ya this guy is a lot smarter then me, because I would have to take them apart before I could make this call
6 yes I still read them , just don't always jump in
7 at times, I always try to watch over you guys..
summery take them apart when you get the bike back, change the flied , put on drill rotors from Harley about 60.00 a piece "change the mounting bolts " install new pads " EBC organic are what I use more stopping power with no fading,if you do not see any leaks, then just cleanup hard wear and use some white grease to lubricate

[LostLake]

LOL! Thanks Rex! Good to hear your advice and I agree that I was real scared the service guy can diagnose the need for a rebuild by just squeezing the brake lever. I'm still running 11 year old fluid! Maybe just a good service will be all it needs....

Wait- That's why I took it in there!!!!!