repairing the front brake of old Norton 1975

[MuscleDad]

I'm fixing the front brake on my dad's old '75 Norton Commando.

I got a new master cylinder and rebuilt the caliper with stainless steel pistons and bled the system a bunch of times to get all the air out.

But the brake lever has to be pulled too far, hitting my fingers on the throttle.

I think the problem is the caliper pistons aren't sliding smoothly in their seals, creating too much space between the brake pads and the disc.

I've rebuilt the caliper twice with the same issue.

I'm planning to get a braided stainless steel brake hose and new, super smooth stainless steel pistons to get a perfect brake.

Does anyone here know where to get SS pistons with perfect polished surface?

TIA guys!

 

[sin city priest]

Incredible that your giving your dad's Commando the TLC it deserves! For polished surface stainless steel pistons, I recommend Classic Bike Spares or RGM Motors. Both offer parts tailored for vintage Nortons.

 

[Khalid]

In whatever you may be doing check that your master cylinder bore is the correct size. A mismatch there can make your lever travel feel way off even if everything else is right.

 

[Instrumental]

I'm fixing the front brake on my dad's old '75 Norton Commando.

I got a new master cylinder and rebuilt the caliper with stainless steel pistons and bled the system a bunch of times to get all the air out.

But the brake lever has to be pulled too far, hitting my fingers on the throttle.

I think the problem is the caliper pistons aren't sliding smoothly in their seals, creating too much space between the brake pads and the disc.

I've rebuilt the caliper twice with the same issue.

I'm planning to get a braided stainless steel brake hose and new, super smooth stainless steel pistons to get a perfect brake.

Does anyone here know where to get SS pistons with perfect polished surface?

TIA guys!

Have you checked classic British spares? I think they should have the piston and lines so you can get everything from a single place.

 

[RestorationRider]

Incredible that your giving your dad's Commando the TLC it deserves! For polished surface stainless steel pistons, I recommend Classic Bike Spares or RGM Motors. Both offer parts tailored for vintage Nortons.

Absolutely, I couldn't agree more! It's fantastic to see it getting the love and care it deserves. And great choice with Classic Bike Spares and RGM too. They really know their stuff

 

[LePetitPrince]

I think you're almost there. Maybe just look closer into the piston seal fitment and maybe try a light smear of red rubber grease? For top-shelf SS pistons, Andover Norton is noice.

 

[slowbutfurious]

Hey, glad you like the Commando! For good SS pistons, try Andover Norton, Classic Bike Spares, or RGM Motors, they're reliable. Also, make sure your master cylinder bore size is right. If it's off, the lever feel will be terrible.