How to change rear brake pads
Before starting any work on the brakes, please be aware, that your brakes
could save your life. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motorcycle,
and you should only work on them, if you have deep knowledge of the brakes'
functionality and highly improved mechanical skills. Also, I'll try to tell
correct things, but I can't grant any warranty.
- pliers
- a hammer
- a driving-punch (ca. 2mm diameter)
- copper paste
- new brake pads, of course ;-) I recommend Lucas.
Checking the pads' thickness |
From behind look at the brakepads, occasionally a torch might help here. If
the lining is thinner than 1 mm, or if you can't see the groove mostly milled in,
it's highest time to change.
- Give some copper paste to the back (!!!) of the pads.
- Bring the pads between rotor and caliper. The hook on the pads has to
point upwards. Sorry, you can't see it on the picture, but once you hold a
brakepad in your hands, you will know what I mean.
Look at this ...
- Be sure the pads are sitting properly.
- Remount the retaining bolt. The bolt should slip easily through the holes
in the caliper and in the brake pads. If you need any force to push it through, something
is wrong, and you should check the seat of the pads. For the last 5 mm use the
driving-punch to drive the bold in place.
- Remount the securing pin.
- Operate brake several times.
- Be aware, that new brake pads have to be run in in order to obtain the
maximum effectiveness. Avoid brutal braking for the first 200 km.
Yes, my bike is dirty ... ;-) Just came back from a quick Sunday evening ride across
the environmental metal tracks ...
DMU, 01-SEP-2003
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