Recently my front brakes locked up on a motorcycle. I was told that the front brakes caliper needed to be replaced. The brakes stay closed and will not release. The fluid is correct. Is it better to replace the caliper or rebuild it? It is the kind of brakes with pads.
I just had the same problem with my rear brakes. It calls for a re-build. That involves removing the brake pistons, and replacing a couple of o-ring seals. If you do it yourself the total cost is under $50, depending on how many seal are required. A new caliper costs a couple hundred dollars.
The caliper just needs a good clean out. Remove it from the wheel and spray with brake cleaner. The pistons are covered with crud and won't retract. And all brakes have pads or shoes.
I would rebuild it. It isn't hard, and replacing it would be like throwing away money. Get a repair manual for your bike and see all the parts that need to be replaced. Don't try to reuse the bleeder valve again either. Just replace it. Once you clean it all up, you will have to decide whether to hone the caliper or not. If it's old, corroded and dirty, then you have to, or you will wreck your new seals when you put it back together. The manual should explain all that. Good luck
