05 S3 - Front brakes are pooh.

[Nige]

I know a fair bit has been documented about this. However, have done a thread search and can't find much.

Anyone had this problem, and how did you ultimately solve it.

Thanks in advance.

Nige

[Billybob]

In the US there was factory sponsored warranty fix (at no cost to the owner); this fixed the problem on my bike. Might want to ask your dealer, but could be a problem because your bike is out of warranty.

[Ferris]

Describe pooh!

Spongey, lot of lever travel or just don't work?

Cleaning and freeing up sticky pistons should get them working well for 2000-3000 miles. Other options include replacing the pistons with coated ones, replacing calipers with 05-06 GSXR Tokico's etc.

[Nige]

Originally Posted by Ferris

Describe pooh!

Spongey, lot of lever travel or just don't work?

Cleaning and freeing up sticky pistons should get them working well for 2000-3000 miles. Other options include replacing the pistons with coated ones, replacing calipers with 05-06 GSXR Tokico's etc.

All the way back to the bar pooh...

[Ferris]

Originally Posted by Nige

All the way back to the bar pooh...

Oh, that pooh

Remove your pads, calipers, clean with brake cleaner and massage the pistons to free them up. You'll probably find one or more sticking in each caliper. Once clean and moving freely, you'll find the lever will be firm again. Only a temp fix though and they will progressively get worse over the next few thousand miles. Bleeding may also be required.

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Billybob

In the US there was factory sponsored warranty fix (at no cost to the owner); this fixed the problem on my bike. Might want to ask your dealer, but could be a problem because your bike is out of warranty.

That fix was to replace the pistons with the 675 Daytona (coated) pistons. The later versions (late 2006) had this mod incorporated from the factory.
As noted by BillyBob, there was a courtesy good-will on this replacement - definitely worth checking into. I believe this was covered in the UK and not strictly just a US thing.

If Triumph UK won't do it at this point, you are on your own to do the same thing - which is not inexpensive.
Many prior to this fix coming along, traded out their calipers for GSXR Tokicos which are essentially a plug n play replacement and readily available on EBay. Probably cheaper option if on your own dime (or that should be 10p piece I guess )
While you're at it, fit a GSXR radial master cylinder too.

[Calliway]

Well legally Triumph is only responsible for any recalls up to one year of the notice.

I don't think they will do it anymore but the piston switch and a good bleeding always helps. Also since its an 05 a fluid flush would be a good idea as well.

Made a world of difference on my 05 ST and 02 S3

[blk07ss]

Can a radial brake cylinder be fitted and will it work with the stock brakes?

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by blk07ss

Can a radial brake cylinder be fitted and will it work with the stock brakes?

You mean a master?
Absolutely - and will be a nice improvement!

You may need to replace the brake lines depending on what you currently have - the banjos will be orientated differently on the radial master. But some lines (like Galfer) the banjos will swivel anyway.

[Wildcat]

u can get decent and cheap radial masters on ebay. we use them on our stunt bikes. they get broke alot. looks like a gsxr or R1 brembo radial master, but if u look at it youll notice the Brembo symbol is kinda wrong. there not race quality, i beat the hell outa everything i own and they always work for me. and will work with stock calipers.