Brake Caliper Overhaul

Quoted message said:

I have a set of Shimano Ultegra calipers that I decided to overhaul.
Vintage is ~1990. These are dual pivot types. During diasassembly, I
was suprised to find a ball bearing retainer, and I managed to lose a
couple of the ball bearings.

Given the size, 2mm, finding these on the garage floor will be
exceedingly difficult.

Does anyone know a source for these little ball bearings?

Thanks and regards,

Rob Weinstock

Rob: I think these are 1/16" balls. I have never found bearings this small
on a bike except within Shimano brake calipers. The high-end models (105
and up) all had them from around 1988 on. Single and dual pivot. This and
the lower tension springs is what results in the nice light action of these
brakes. I would say get out the magnet and start sweeping the garage floor.

Dave Mayer said:

Quoted message said:

I have a set of Shimano Ultegra calipers that I decided to overhaul.
Vintage is ~1990. These are dual pivot types. During diasassembly, I
was suprised to find a ball bearing retainer, and I managed to lose a
couple of the ball bearings.

Given the size, 2mm, finding these on the garage floor will be
exceedingly difficult.

Does anyone know a source for these little ball bearings?

Thanks and regards,

Rob Weinstock

Rob: I think these are 1/16" balls. I have never found bearings this small
on a bike except within Shimano brake calipers. The high-end models (105
and up) all had them from around 1988 on. Single and dual pivot. This and
the lower tension springs is what results in the nice light action of these
brakes. I would say get out the magnet and start sweeping the garage floor.

I have always heard that it is a bad idea to pick up bearing balls
with a magnet, as they will become magnatized and collect little bits
of metal, leading to wear. I really don't know if this is a problem
in practice, but the reasoning seems sound.

"Rob Weinstock" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a set of Shimano Ultegra calipers that I decided to overhaul.
Vintage is ~1990. These are dual pivot types. During diasassembly, I
was suprised to find a ball bearing retainer, and I managed to lose a
couple of the ball bearings.

Given the size, 2mm, finding these on the garage floor will be
exceedingly difficult.

Does anyone know a source for these little ball bearings?

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Part Number 1598K18
$9.12 per pack of 250

As always:
1) your local LBS.
2) A local Bearing supply shop.

and finally, the easiest one. Almost EVERYTHING is in stock (and they
stock almost everything). Their paper catalog is over 3500 pages!
You will often get it next day, even if you pay for ground shipping,
they take credit cards, and they have no minimum order.
3) McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) (Industrial Supplies)
If inch:

PN#9642K21
440-C Stainless Steel Precision Ball 1/16" Diameter, Grade 24
In stock at $3.13 per Pack
This item is only sold in Packs of 50

If metric: (they stock 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 mm bearings) so
measure what you have.

PN#1598K22
Precision Grade Metric 440-C SS Ball 2.5 mm Diameter, Grade 25
In stock at $9.86 per Pack
This item is only sold in Packs of 250

-Mike

"Dave Mayer" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<C8end.258833$Pl.170228@pd7tw1no>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have a set of Shimano Ultegra calipers that I decided to overhaul.
Vintage is ~1990. These are dual pivot types. During diasassembly, I
was suprised to find a ball bearing retainer, and I managed to lose a
couple of the ball bearings.

Given the size, 2mm, finding these on the garage floor will be
exceedingly difficult.

Does anyone know a source for these little ball bearings?

Thanks and regards,

Rob Weinstock

Rob: I think these are 1/16" balls. I have never found bearings this small
on a bike except within Shimano brake calipers. The high-end models (105
and up) all had them from around 1988 on. Single and dual pivot. This and
the lower tension springs is what results in the nice light action of these
brakes. I would say get out the magnet and start sweeping the garage floor.

[email hidden] (Rob Weinstock) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Does anyone know a source for these little ball bearings?

Have you asked Shimano? I think you're looking for part # 84B 9805 ,
which is what's used on the current calipers. Take a look at
http://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/phpimages/product/exp_view/BR_6500_.pdf

Jeff