Rebuilding A Sportster Caliper
Article by Mark Trotta
This article covers rebuilding the "pie-slice" caliper found on 1973 through 1977 Harley Sportsters and 1973 through 1977 Harley FX models.
To rebuild 1977 through 1983 Harley dual calipers click here.
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In 1973, a single-disc front caliper replaced the Sportster front drum brake. When in good working order, it does a decent job of stopping the 550-pound bike.
Caliper rebuilding includes removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, re-install, and bleeding.
It's easy to see where it gets the nickname pie slice caliper.
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Tools and Supplies Needed
Tools needed will include a socket set, open and closed end wrenches, flare nut wrenches, Allen keys, and an O-ring pick.
Removing the retaining ring requires external snap-ring pliers.
You'll also need a few cans of brake parts cleaner, some DOT 5 brake fluid, and shop towels or rags.
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Remove Brake Caliper From Bike
It's not necessary to remove the front wheel to overhaul the brake caliper.
Start by draining the old brake fluid from the caliper. Remove the brake line by using a flare-nut wrench, so as not to strip the nut.
It's a good idea to loosen the bolts that hold the caliper together while it's still mounted to the bike. Some of these may be very tight, and trying to loosen them after the caliper is off may be difficult. Also loosen the bleeder valve.
To remove the caliper, remove the socket hex bolts, washers, and locknuts. The outer and inner caliper should then separate.
Once removed, have a plastic or metal tray waiting, and drain any remaining fluid. Spray/clean all parts with brake cleaner and a stiff brush, remove all dirt, rust, abrasives and old brake fluid. Dry with compressed air.
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Brake Caliper Disassembly
Pull off the rubber boot around the caliper piston, using something that won't damage the caliper bore.
Corrosion built up between the piston and bore is usually what makes the piston stick. The caliper piston can be stubborn to remove and there are several ways to go about this. The easiest way is using compressed air from your compressor.
Hold the the caliper away from you. Wrap a shop towel around the it or use a piece of wood to stop the free piston from coming out (don't use your fingers). If you don't do this and shoot in too much air, you may launch the piston across the garage (I did that with once with a car caliper).
Insert the rubber tip of an air nozzle into the hole where the plug goes in and press the trigger. Hopefully the piston comes out. If not, soak the piston with WD-40, let sit for a day, and try again.
To remove the piston without air, you can press in the brake lever after the caliper is off the bike but before removing the brake hose.
After you have removed the piston, remove the o-ring from inside the bore. There is also a small O-ring on the back of the piston. Both of these O-rings will be replaced.
Clean out all of the passages and the piston chamber with brake parts cleaner and compressed air. Allow to air-dry.
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Caliper Inspection
After spraying/cleaning the bore and other parts with brake parts cleaner, dry with compressed air.
Carefully inspect the piston and piston chamber. The piston should have a smooth, polished surface. Nicks and scratches on the piston will tear the O-rings and cause failure. Replacement pistons are available (carefully measure the size).
Piston Bore
Minor pitting of the piston bore can be cleaned up, and small scratches can usually be taken out. Try lightly sanding with either emery cloth or wet 600-grit wet-or-dry paper. A rule of thumb here is if a groove can catch your fingernail, its going to need to be re-sleeved.
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Caliper Rebuild Parts
If you need replacement caliper seals click here.
If you need a replacement caliper piston you can buy one here.
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Brake Pads
Check old brake pads for wear or damage. If they've been contaminated by leaking fork oil, or had brake fluid on them, replace them.
The pads should have an indicator groove on them. If you don't see one, they're probably worn beneath minimum thickness. Another way to see if it's reusable is to measure the brake pad thickness. If the linings are less than 1/16" they need to be replaced.
Replacing the FX/XL "pie-wedge" brake pads requires drilling out the original rivets (use a 9/64" drill bit) and riveting in the new ones. If you don't have a rivet gun and can't borrow one, the original brass rivets can sometimes be re-used and installed using a punch and a hammer.
Brake pads should be replaced in pairs.
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Re-assemble Brake Caliper
Double check that all components are clean and dry. Pour a little fresh brake fluid into a small container (DOT 5 - don't mix fluid types).
Piston Installation
Lubricate the small O-ring with brake fluid and install on piston. Lubricate the piston with brake fluid, and slide it into the bore. Do not force the piston in - make sure it's square with the bore!
Once the piston is in straight, it should slide all the way in with moderate finger pressure. If not, find out why. Don't force it in!
Coat the seals and O-rings before putting them in place. Add the outer dust boot.
Next, refit the pads with the piston pushed all the way in. This makes it easy to fit the caliper over the brake disc. Your Sportster caliper rebuild is now complete and ready to be installed back on bike.
Rebuilding the caliper may take a few hours. Take your time, don't rush things.
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Reinstall Brake Caliper
Use new locknuts with the two mounting bolts. If new locknuts are unavailable, use thread sealant.
On my 1976 XLH, the caliper mounting bolt are tourqued to 35 foot-pounds. The two torque-arm bolts are tightened to 130 inch-pounds. When done, check that the caliper floats freely back and forth.
Re-install the brake line. Tighten bleeder screw, but don't over-tighten. It may cause bleeder screw seat damage.
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Brake Fluid Types
All disc-brake Ironhead Sportsters require silicone DOT 5 brake fluid. Conventional brake fluid will damage paint, silicone DOT 5 will not. Do not mix fluid types.
An easy way to find out which brake fluid type you have is to put a few drops of it in a styrofoam coffee cup. DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid is glycol-based, and will dissolve the cup, silicone DOT 5 does not.
Brake Fluid Facts
- The color of brake fluid is not an accurate indicator of its condition.
- No brake fluid reduces stopping distances.
- Old brake fluid is never re-usable.
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Bleeding The Brake Caliper
There's many ways to bleed brakes, but on such a small system as this, it's easily done by hand. If you can reach the brake lever and the brake caliper at the same time, brake bleeding is a one-man job.
Turn handlebars until the master cylinder is as level as you can make it.
Check that the bleeder screw is tight, then fill reservoir slowly with DOT 5 brake fluid. Keep the lid of the master cylinder loose while you're bleeding the brakes or a vacuum might form.
Bleed until all air bubbles are gone and clear brake fluid comes out. When done, tighten the bleeder screw. Your hand brake lever should now be firm to the grip.
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Related Articles:
Remove Stuck Brake Piston
Rebuild Harley Dual Disc Calipers (1977-1983)
Ironhead Sportster History
Harley FX Models
