Hope C2 front brake fluid leak

[PeteXXX]

The front brake on my Marin, Hope C2, has developed a hydraulic fluid leak. I bled them several months ago and used the correct fluid (dot 5)
A few rides ago, the braking surface fell off the backing plate and I had to press the piston back into the body to fit the replacement pads. I used an old plastic tyre lever to do this.
Last trip out yesterday and front braking vanished after a couple of miles. I checked the brake and felt leakage.
My question: is this an LBS job or a fairly easy one for me to tackle?

And, yes, I know the pads are fubarred....

 

[Cubist]

Sounds like perished or cracked piston seals, or even a cracked piston. Look here http://www.hopetech.com/product-documents/brakes/#!c2-brakeand download the exploded diagram. Ring the Hope Service team on the number given, and if they have the parts in stock they'll send them to you. Possibly the best customer service dept going.

 

[PeteXXX]

Thanks for the info @Cubist Hope have been helpful in the past when I've contacted them.
Is it an easy job to do?

 

[Cubist]

Splitting their calipers is a reasonably simple thing to do but they may talk you through it. Hope calipers are pretty simple if you're confident. The caliper is in two halves and just needs the two cap screws undoing. I'd be tempted to take photos of it as you crack it, noting how the seals sit. I would imagine a seal kit would contain the two piston seals and the o ring that sits between the two halves where the fluid runs through. If the piston itself is damaged (can't remember if they Are ceramic or not on a C2 ) then they won't cost the earth. Trickiest looking bit is reassembling the piston spring assembly making sure it all goes back in the right order.

Don't forget your gloves, and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol to clean up with.... brake fluid is 'orrible stuff.

If it All goes wrong, you can get some Shimano deore for about £50 a set from Ze Germans

 

[PeteXXX]

Thanks for that. I'll give it a go. (and check some prices for a new set!)

 

[PeteXXX]

Update: New caliper required as there's a minute crack in the inner half shell .

 

[lpretro1]

You'll be lucky to find the part as that brake is no very old. Probably better to upgrade now rather than spend money on old technology?

 

[PeteXXX]

You'll be lucky to find the part as that brake is no very old. Probably better to upgrade now rather than spend money on old technology?

Yep, that's my plan. Just looking around at some new post mount brakes now.