Wrecked my brakes

[Guest]

I was wondering if you could please help with this major issue I have. I've spent way too long fixing a GS550e, but it's beautiful and runs great- it just doesn't stop!

My callipers threads are worn out, the right side top mounting bolt is threaded and has no grip. The left side bleed nipple has sheared off with the remainder stuck in and the banjo is also threaded.

What can I do and what are my options? Is it just hope a pair come up on ebay or is there an upgrade available with new parts? Your help would be invaluable, not ridding this summer would painful as I missed the last because of all the other issues.

[salty_monk]

If it's a two brake model with Axle inline with the forks then you could potentially upgrade to the two piston calipers... See link below in my signature.

Postage to the UK is about $25.

[Big T]

Post up in the Parts Wanted forum and don't forget to mention what year bike it is

[Wes51st]

Thanks, it's a 1979 model. I'll look into both those suggestions. Salty Monk is there a link to what to buy and how to fit- I assume there's some drilling, cutting to be done.

I guess there's no straight replacement, without changing the disk?

[Wes51st]

I've found this company in the UK who make new calipers for older bikes. They look great, but expensive. Does anyone have any experience with them?

http://www.m.pretech.co.uk/

[dorkburger]

Wow, trick looking and a surprising range of fitment. Probably overkill unless your doing an all out build though.

[LAB3]

Sounds like you're looking at a trashed caliper so trying a "make do" fix couldn't make it any worse. Drill out those caliper bolt holes a bit bigger and use through bolts to hold it together, or just tap them out to the next size up. As to the bleeder screw, I'd try an easy out on that. If the banjo bolt is stripped you could try running a tap in that to clean up the thread and using some Teflon tape to seal it up. Yeah, these aren't the best fixes but it might get you back on the road, good luck!

[Gorminrider]

Yours sound pretty bad as these things go-just get some second-hand ones. They don't look special and likely fit several bikes. Try ebay in the States,Canada, germany wherever if you can't find em in the UK or from someone here on the forum.

[chuck hahn]

Through bolts may hit the rotors. Drill and tap next bigger thread may be a fix though...and of course have to drill the fork holes bigger a well.

[Wes51st]

Thanks guys. All good ideas, but I don't think I want to try and repair them. I didn't do all the damage (but did tread one bolt) so it makes me question them and their treatment from the previous owner. If it were an engine part I could live with a fix, but I have a mental block of riding with a patched-up brake calpier, I wouldn't be able to relax.

I think it's going have to be a pair of PreTech badboys or ebay for a good condition used pair. Can other GS model brakes fit a 79, 550E?

Cheers

[Wes51st]

Yes a through bolt would hit the rotor I'm sure.

Through bolts may hit the rotors. Drill and tap next bigger thread may be a fix though...and of course have to drill the fork holes bigger a well.