[Guide] Front brake pad replacement

[Kwikasfuki]

Finally had time to do some maintenance work on bike so decided to do brakes, and a good thing too as I'd have been trying to stop with metal scraping against metal.

Disclaimer: these are pics of what I did today. If you want your pads changing, I suggest you refer to a qualified mechanic.















































See first pic for fitting torque. Now to do the other caliper!

[Lonewolf]

NB, excellent set of photographs and instructions. I haven't changed my pads yet but I did take them all out a few weeks just to check their condition. They were fine by the way.
It's an easy enough job to do, you just need a bit of patience and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

[Kwikasfuki]

Yup, there is an easy way to inspect/replace the pads without removing the caliper. Just remove the two 5mm bolts that hold the spring and you can pull out the pads and inspect. If you want to then put in new pads, you still need to push the pistons back with some tool. And of course, whenever working on the brakes remember to pump the brake lever.

[Rusty]

Well done NB ... that is a very comprehensive set of pics and instructions ... good on you. I have to say though at first I couldn't quite make out whether it was a bike wheel or a tractor wheel from an abandoned farmyard ...... I know your not a keen bike cleaner but YIKES !!!!!!!   ;D ;D ;D ..... that's a dirty bike !!!!!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D

[Rusty]

PS .... those new pads will stop you like an unlit skip .... be careful with them !! :)

[Kwikasfuki]

Lol, was thinking myself how filthy the bike was. But thought functional items were more important than cosmetic  ;D

There's two front calipers to do. Really doesn't take more than 20 mins each.

On a side note, this is the first time I've done the pads. Before this its been done by various dealers. I noticed one of the 6mm Hex bolts was almost circular. The hex bit would not grip. I had to use a hammer and create a new grip. I've now ordered a new bolt, but this is what pisses me off about dealers in that they will mess something up, or know something minor needs replacing, but not do it. That's why it's best to do your own bike maintenance.

[Lonewolf]

I think you appreciate more about how the bike functions doing your own basic maintenance. We all know I'm a joke when it comes to mechanics, but I'll have a go. Its a daunting bike to work on I think cause its so big compared with some of the naked sport/tourers I've had, but in reality it aint that much different fundamentally.

[lamin]

NB, wot do you use to clean your bike, i need to get some quick as mines lookin a bit dirty !

[Lonewolf]

NB, wot do you use to clean your bike, i need to get some quick as mines lookin a bit dirty !

Clean his bike, when does he clean his bike ;D


Only jokin!!

[fatharry]

Very helpful pics...cheers...i have a squealing front brake at the moment, so need to check it out...suspect the pad pins just need some copper slip, but want to take them out to make sure nothing further is wrong with them ;D

[Kwikasfuki]

I didn't put any copper on mine but if they start squealing I will do

[fatharry]

A picture is worth a thousand words......its always helpful to see nice real life pictures

Just a quick question...i've had a look a removing the calipers before....doesn't seem much clearance between the wheel rim and the disc, do they slip off easily or do they need jiggling out?

[Kwikasfuki]

Once the caliper retaining bolts are out you still need to apply some force to move the caliper away from the housing. Carry on moving all the way until the caliper touches the wheel rim, and then slight twist and they are out. They do slip on/off easily.

[Kwikasfuki]

NB, wot do you use to clean your bike, i need to get some quick as mines lookin a bit dirty !

Lol.
Let me answer that with a question: Imagine your bike was a girlfriend. What would you rather do?  ;D

[ChrisB]

My front pads were squealing like a strangled ferrett. At least how I imagine how a strangled ferret would squeal. Copperslip on the back of the pads where the piston sits, and on the retaining pins cured it instantly. A slight smear on the top and lower edges of the pads also helps. I SAID A SLIGHT SMEAR.
Cheers