S2000 Brake issues

[Mickwilbob]

Just wondered if anyone has had issues with the brake calipers on Honda S2000, my 2005 car has only 27000 miles on the clock but I have now had to replace all 4 calipers over the last 18 months.

[nottyash]

Yes, had 2 fronts on mine, but it was nearly 11years old and 73000 miles to be fair.
Fronts were only £100each so not the end of the world.

[Riknos]

I'd imagine they've seized due to lack of use then? as 27k on a 7 year old car isn't much!

[Dracoro]

Yes, they can start to seize (slight burning smell/light smoke are symptoms), more often the rears rather than the front.

Easy fix (replace calipers). Refurb units are often cheaper than new ones and the rears are more expensive than the fronts (as they also have the handbrake mechanism built in).

[theboyrob]

My front caliper started to stick 05, 60k, replaced the caliper, all is well

[UncFester]

Usually because the caliper slide pins haven't been removed, cleaned and regreased. Just rebuilt 4 spare calipers for mine which will be put to one side to be fitted later this year.

[Steve Devaney]

UncFester said:

Usually because the caliper slide pins haven't been removed, cleaned and regreased. Just rebuilt 4 spare calipers for mine which will be put to one side to be fitted later this year.

And for supplies of rebuild kits I should turn to????

[UncFester]

Biggred do the seals for a good price.

CFL Honda in the USA do a great price on pistons - they're £70 each from the UK dealers or about $25to $30 from the USA. Even with VAT and £30 shipping it's still a bargain.

You can get refurbished calipers - they aren't that expensive if you have to stick with UK parts stuff.

The slide pins are usually able to be removed and cleaned, you can pick up new grease boots if needed from Honda i think - not that expensive.

From what i've seen of my own car, it's the slide pins that cause the most trouble.

Edited by UncFester on Thursday 12th July 23:06

[Squating Neville]

the main think is to change the brake fluid regually, as this stops the pistons pitting and rusting causing them to seize, usually something that is not done when getting services done not at a main dealer

[nottyash]

Squating Neville said:

the main think is to change the brake fluid regually, as this stops the pistons pitting and rusting causing them to seize, usually something that is not done when getting services done not at a main dealer

Its the rubbers perishing that causes them to sieze, changing fluid wont help.

[Squating Neville]

i thaught it was because brake fluid is hygroscopic, i assume by you saying the rubber seal being the dust cover that goes round the piston, not the rubber seal that seals the piston.

[normalbloke]

A rebuilt warranted caliper is £60. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it....

[scz4]

normalbloke said:

A rebuilt warranted caliper is £60. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it....

Where from? I've found them around £120 to £150 online.

[nottyash]

Squating Neville said:

i thaught it was because brake fluid is hygroscopic, i assume by you saying the rubber seal being the dust cover that goes round the piston, not the rubber seal that seals the piston.

Hydroscopic oil has had the wax removed to absorb moisture, and is used on fridge sytems, I never knew brake fluid was, but it makes sense when I think about it.
If its got water in it effects the oil at temperature and is probably why its a good idea to change the fluid regulary.
The cover will allow water in and if not used so much can stick and corrode.

York Motor factors sell the front refurbed warranted calipers for about £84 after the £10 for the old caliper.

[Mickwilbob]

Thanks guys some very useful info, pleased to know its not just me having an issue with the brakes.
I know the car hasn't done many miles but it has been serviced by the main Honda dealer on each occasion.

The interesting bit is that Honda UK paid for the first replacement caliper as goodwill, but refused to pay for the second 9 months later. All 4 have now been replaced and hopefully it should be ok for the near future.

[Suebo]

I have an S2000 and it has been stationary for the last 9 months (had a nasty RTA on my little honda 125)
I did leave the handbrake off
The battery was dead but that is now recharged and I thought that id make sure all working before taking to garage tomorrow for MOT service etc
however
the from brakes seem to be seized - back wheels are turning but to the front
Is there anything that I could do or should I leave it up to the lovely garage to collect and sort out?

Thanks

Sue

[Andy S15]

Suebo said:

I have an S2000 and it has been stationary for the last 9 months (had a nasty RTA on my little honda 125)
I did leave the handbrake off
The battery was dead but that is now recharged and I thought that id make sure all working before taking to garage tomorrow for MOT service etc
however
the from brakes seem to be seized - back wheels are turning but to the front
Is there anything that I could do or should I leave it up to the lovely garage to collect and sort out?

Thanks

Sue

You could take the calipers off, free up and regrease the sliding pins (use silicone oil only as this won't attack the rubber boots) and excercise the pistons in and out a few times with the footbrake to push them out, then a g-clamp to push them back. I've made the original set of calipers last on my S2000 for 80k by doing this a couple of times. Never had any issues or leaks.