sidewinder brake caliper 2018ltx le

[Gman25]

Just thought I would post my latest issue as I have not seen anyone else with this problem.
Aftter reassembling my chaincase and improving the tensioner and checking drive shaft bearing (thanks rockerdan) I ended up with another problem. I wish I had taken pics of what I encountered but didn't think to do it.
So after caliper assembly and lots of brake bleeding I had a firm brake but caliper pistons were staying in the "on "position after brake lever was let go.
I removed pads cracked bleeder screw, depressed pistons and all seemed fine. Put it all back together ran sled all spun freely and as soon as I hit break things would lock up again.
I bled master cylinder re bled caliper and spent a ton of time with no improvement.
So next was dis assembly of caliper. This is where I wish I took pictures. After removing both piston I first noticed a pile of black crap in bore of caliper. The only thing I can think of is the internal rubber from brake line coming off. I thought line was stainless but perhaps that is only the outer casing.
It was a significant amount of crap in each side.
Then when inspecting pistons it appeared that some of the chroming was removed or perhaps never there in the first place.
Just another poor quality component (in my opinion) anyways after owning yamahas since 1979 and working at a large Yamaha dealership in Ottawa during the late 80s and 90s I can honestly say im really disappointed in yamahas descision to do this joint venture with cat. I have not even ridden my sidewinder yet!
I am still not at the snowtest stage with my caliper issue so will keep you posted.
Thanks for listening to my rant! frustrated to say the least!

 

[cannondale27]

Did you notice how many cups and O-rings were in that Master cylinder also? Looked like a few short compared to others if I remember right. I recal thinking what a piece of junk we rely on. Then I looked at the sheetmetal pistons digging into the pad backing plates and the backing plates digging into the Caliper. It is amazing that the brakes feel as good as they do! SRX in 1998 had 4 pistons and nice stainless and Carbon fibre isolaters on the pads along with stainless on slots for pads. Yes some things I greatly miss from Yamaha.....

 

[Turboflash]

Just thought I would post my latest issue as I have not seen anyone else with this problem.
Aftter reassembling my chaincase and improving the tensioner and checking drive shaft bearing (thanks rockerdan) I ended up with another problem. I wish I had taken pics of what I encountered but didn't think to do it.
So after caliper assembly and lots of brake bleeding I had a firm brake but caliper pistons were staying in the "on "position after brake lever was let go.
I removed pads cracked bleeder screw, depressed pistons and all seemed fine. Put it all back together ran sled all spun freely and as soon as I hit break things would lock up again.
I bled master cylinder re bled caliper and spent a ton of time with no improvement.
So next was dis assembly of caliper. This is where I wish I took pictures. After removing both piston I first noticed a pile of black crap in bore of caliper. The only thing I can think of is the internal rubber from brake line coming off. I thought line was stainless but perhaps that is only the outer casing.
It was a significant amount of crap in each side.
Then when inspecting pistons it appeared that some of the chroming was removed or perhaps never there in the first place.
Just another poor quality component (in my opinion) anyways after owning yamahas since 1979 and working at a large Yamaha dealership in Ottawa during the late 80s and 90s I can honestly say im really disappointed in yamahas descision to do this joint venture with cat. I have not even ridden my sidewinder yet!
I am still not at the snowtest stage with my caliper issue so will keep you posted.
Thanks for listening to my rant! frustrated to say the least!

I feel your pain. Been down this road myself. My problem was all in the caliper. No chrome coming off but lots of black junk making the piston stick. It's not rocket science to design and install a decent brake. Just another example of making it cheap and not really caring how long it works. I think we'd all agree, I would put brakes very high on the list of things that just MUST work when needed.

 

[cannondale27]

The thing to remember and what keeps me going is all this Bullsh!t Cat stuff and other life worries disappear once the sled hits the snow and we ride. Its worth it!

 

[Turboflash]

10-4! Day after Xmas, I'm over and out (riding that is!). Hopefully, any possible gremlin or horsesh@#t desgn flaws have been corrected. I just want to ride and not have problems!

 

[cannondale27]

10-4! Day after Xmas, I'm over and out (riding that is!). Hopefully, any possible gremlin or horsesh@#t desgn flaws have been corrected. I just want to ride and not have problems!

Even a problem filled ride on snowmobile is better than not! Creates memories.

 

[jonlafon1]

Even a problem filled ride on snowmobile is better than not! Creates memories.

O so true! Memories! Example > Remember when we tore your sled apart in the trailer? Lol. Making some myself.

 

[cannondale27]

O so true! Memories! Example > Remember when we tore your sled apart in the trailer? Lol. Making some myself.

You guys digging in yet?

 

[Gman25]

Hi guys thanks for reminding me this will all hopefully be behind me once I hit the snow. There is only one large oring that seals each piston that's all that it. The whole caliper looks like something that came off a Chinese made minibike. Whoever posted about the beautiful srx caliper from 1999 yes you are correct that thing was a piece of art.
My 1999 srx has 10k on it and I have never had to take caliper or brake system apart.
See you on the snow!

 

[ClutchMaster]

Yea the pads are half the size of older sleds and the calipers are total junk. The pads had worn deep grooves into the aluminum because there no steel wear plates. This causes the pads to become loose. The loose pads cause the pistons to rock in the bores, then they get all scored up and eventually seize in the bore.

Chinese junk!

 

[jonlafon1]

You guys digging in yet?

Got part today. Raked snow. Monday off to Clutchmaster. He says I have to give him my motor oil with 200 miles on it for his chainsaw bar oil! Lol
Deal!

 

[cannondale27]

Got part today. Raked snow. Monday off to Clutchmaster. He says I have to give him my motor oil with 200 miles on it for his chainsaw bar oil! Lol
Deal!

Thats great! He needs something to take his mind off his injury. You guys will make it fun I am sure.

 

[cannondale27]

Yea the pads are half the size of older sleds and the calipers are total junk. The pads had worn deep grooves into the aluminum because there no steel wear plates. This causes the pads to become loose. The loose pads cause the pistons to rock in the bores, then they get all scored up and eventually seize in the bore.

Chinese junk!

Hayes is actually USA. Kinda local. Have met the owners. Meaning to have a talk with them someday.

 

[1nc 2000]

The best brakes I have ever had on a sled is what came stock on my nytro rtx se.
Four piston caliper and nice one finger on lever squeeze made stopping no problem.