Brakes

I just started tearing into my 200 dollar Maxim to get my "to do" list ready for the winter. The bike runs well although it is obvious my intake boots are leaking.

My rear brake sticks (haven't disassembled it yet) and the fronts are non-existent. Literally, there is no brake line just a master cylinder, caliper with junk pads and a rotor which looks ok. The best part is that the P.O. never plugged any of the holes in either part since they have no brake line.
I am going to rebuild both and I marked as favorites, the excellent illustrated master cylinder rebuild thread on this site. I was wondering, has anyone done the same for the rear brake or the caliper rebuild? I am going to buy a Yamaha service manual soon but I was going to disassemble the parts and let them soak and clean them until then. I need something to do!

I never disassembled a motorcycle caliper nor have I ever needed to do drum brakes on any of my past bikes. I am new to XJ's but not to Yamaha's. I had two Virago 920's in the past.

 

I rebuilt my MC & Caliper this past spring. The work is not complicated, just take your time. Removing the piston can be challenging though - I used a bike tire pump to force it out.

The rear brake is pretty simple too - just make sure you adjust it correctly after putting it back together! (I didn't...)

You might consider the XJCD in addition to the manual.

Good luck!

 

There's a thread on here somewhere about rear brake shoes de-laminating and locking up the rear. Probably a good idea to read that one.

Hopefully your MC and caliper aren't too far gone. If so, you'll probably find serviceable ones on eBay.