Brake Pin O-Ring

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Eric Rides On, Feb 28, 2010.

  1. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    So, upon brief inspection of my rear pads, it looked like I needed new ones. When I went to put the new ones on, it turned out the current ones were just fine, with plenty of life left in them.

    However the tiny o-ring at the end of the brake pin, number 14 in the picture, looked half worn through on one side. For the time being, until the new o-ring arrives. I cleaned up the pin, lubed the o-ring, put it all together, and braking in the garage seems fine. My question is, do you think

    [​IMG]

    a) No biggee, replace the o-ring when you next replace the pads
    b) Order the o-ring, but it’s OK to ride the bike until the o-ring arrives
    c) Don’t ride the bike until you replace the o-ring

    ??

    Thanks,
    Eric
     
  2. Lgn001

    Lgn001 Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2007
    Messages:
    1,855
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Russian River by Ocean, CA
    Map
    I would say "b", if it is only a dust seal. These guys may have something close;

    McMaster-Carr
     
  3. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Thanks Lgn001.

    My inclination is not to worry, but I don't know if I'm missing some concept. Besides dust control, it may provide minimal alignment/support on that side.
     
  4. Metallican525

    Metallican525 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2009
    Messages:
    1,809
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Rockville, Maryland
    Map
    Not being particularly familiar with your setup I'd say from the picture that it is a non critical item. Most likely, under braking, one side gets a little more pressure put on it than the other. I would reccomend replacing it when you do the brakes next and giving all the moving components a nice coating of silicone lube while you're in there. This will probably prevent further wear, allthough, nothing lasts forever. If the brakes feel good and the caliper isn't binding on the slides when assembled I'd say you're good to go.
     
  5. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Cool.

    One end of the brake pads slide a few millimeters each way along that pin.
     
  6. Metallican525

    Metallican525 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2009
    Messages:
    1,809
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Rockville, Maryland
    Map
    So, the worn o-ring you found was on the pin that is second in line to rotor rotation going clockwise. Meaning that it is the load bearing pin when under braking causing the slight deflection of the pin from centerline and the excess wear to one side. Sounds normal.
     
  7. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    Aha! I see what you mean, that pin only takes some minor load if, for instance, I'm braking while rolling backward.
    So it's no big deal if the pin is only fully supported on it's one threaded end.

    Thanks Metallican525! - your explanation puts my mind at ease.
    :rockon:
    Here's a better picture:
    [​IMG]

    I think it's the same on your 2003 VFR.
     
  8. DeannaLee

    DeannaLee New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2007
    Messages:
    170
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oregon Coast
    For what it is worth I found the same thing when I swapped out my rear pads over a year ago and still no issues. I plan to replace the o-rings next time.
     
  9. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    That is worth something - I'm going to let my roughed up o-ring and my concern chill until my next brake pad change.
    Unless you ride off a cliff for not having brakes - email me if you do!:wink:
     
  10. vfr-treiber

    vfr-treiber New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2010
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Hamburg
    Yesterday i replaced my pads - front and rear.

    But i didn´t replace the o - rings.

    i never replaced this o - rings ´because they are O.K. i´ve never problems with my breaks. they works in all conditions.

    My 99er vfr is still 7 years and 60.000 km with me - i replaced the pads, 3 times.

    in my repair book is no notice to replace this o-rings - and the rings where never damaged ?

    i hope i havn´t overlook sometihing

    kind regards

    Klaus-Peter :cool:
     
  11. skymon

    skymon New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2010
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Ojai CA
    I'm a little off topic here... But I noticed my rear pads look thin. At least I think so. Hard to see without pulling the caliper. Seems odd to have them wear out before the fronts. Just curious about what you saw and what turned out to be the case.
     
  12. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    It's a PITA to try to see the wear on the rear pads. I mistakenly thought I needed pads, bought some, only to discover that my pads were fine.

    Next time, I'll take the wheel off to get a better look. Hell, might as well take the pads out at that point. A stock set of rear pads are about $50.
     
  13. Metallican525

    Metallican525 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2009
    Messages:
    1,809
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Rockville, Maryland
    Map
    Check that caliper to see if it may be binding on the slides causing excessive pad drag. When spinning either wheel, you should hear pads dragging but there should be little to no resistance in turning the wheel. Either that or you're a heavy rear brake user.
     
  14. skymon

    skymon New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2010
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Ojai CA
    yup, that's my dilemma. I figure if I take the wheel off, I'm a long way towards changing the pads. Probably should upgrade to EBC HHpads. Should put them in the front too. And if I change the pads its a good time to change the fluid (22k on it). Might as well do the clutch fluid too.

    See what I mean. Goes on and on. They look a little thin using a mirror but it sure would be nice to know if maybe the rear pads are just fine.

    btw, there's no undue resistence in either wheel. The bike is new to me (1000 mi ago) so I can't be sure about previous owner's riding style, but with linked brakes its hard to image excessive rear brake use.
     
  15. Eric Rides On

    Eric Rides On New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2010
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Oakland, CA
    The riding weather's just too good though.

    Just so you can relax, and go out and ride, the pads have a little metal tang that will grind against the disc to warn you that it's time to fix the brakes. At that point there will still be some pad material available. IMO, the noise will be too horrible for you to want to ride, and the tang won't have a chance to score the disc.

    I'll bet this could start a big online argument.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page