Hello everyone,
Is it difficult to install brake pads or should I just take it to a professional? I have a 97 GS and I can follow instructions well. Any advice or recommendations would be nice.
Thanks :thumb:
Installing the front pads is actually easier than the rear, at least on a '96-'00:
* Two bolts, and the caliper comes off.
* Pull one little retaining clip and the pads pivot and come out of the caliper.
* Put the new pads in, replace the clip.
* Slide the caliper back in place over the rotor, torque the two bolts correctly.
* Done!
The only thing I left out is that you may have to compress the pistons to get enough space between the new pads. Someone has used regular household C-clamps to do it, but there are other ways.
It takes 30 seconds...Un screw the caliper and take it out and the bads should literally fall out...well should they...My mobile pad seems to drop out of the caliper easy...while the static pad is held by the 2 pins. You slide it ove to the spot vacated by the static pas and it falls out too. Then install the static one first and then the mobile one...
Cool.
Srinath.
If you're still on your original set of pads, you may find that the HARDest part is the first step: loosening the two caliper bolts. They weren't so bad on my '99, but they were so tight on my '96 that even with my long torque wrench I almost hurt myself getting them to "pop".
If the brakes are squeeking, does that mean it's about time for a replacement?
Quote from: hotbunz4If the brakes are squeeking, does that mean it's about time for a replacement?
Not necessarily, but it would be a good idea to check the pads. If you crouch down and look at the right angle, you can visually determine how much pad is left on each side of the rotor. A little pad goes a long way, so don't freak out if you see "only" 1/8 of an inch.
In fact, the pads have grooves in them that are kinda like the wear indicators on tires: if you can't see the (ends of the) grooves, it's time to get new pads.
Hmmm.... Some more pictures that need taking.
Quote from: seshadri_srinathIt takes 30 seconds...My mobile pad seems to drop out of the caliper easy...while the static pad is held by the 2 pins. You slide it ove to the spot vacated by the static pas and it falls out too. Then install the static one first and then the mobile one...
Cool.
Srinath.
I'm not sure I follow?
I have a '95. The caliper has one pad which has pins which run through it. This pad would be "behind" the disc as you look at the disc/wheel (from the disc side). The other pad falls out (the one which the pistons contact) I do not see how to set the pad off the pins. Is this the "static" pad? Exactly what are you sliding over to the spot vacated by the static pad? It seems to me that the pins go into the body of the caliper and there are no gaps. I thought the pins might screw out, but they have no bolt head or hex head to grip. Please help with the explaination.
Thanks guys. I have one more question. What about the brake fluid? The fluid is new and at the correct levels. When I install the new brake pads the brake calipers should be farther apart. Can I just remove any excess fluid or should I drain and install new brake fluid?
Thanks :cheers:
markjohnson75, you're gonna have to wait for Srinath or another pre-'96 owner to pipe up. The caliper changed in '96 to a simpler setup (judging from the diagrams in the manuals).
I would scan something out of my manuals for you, but they're at home.
Quote from: jag69What about the brake fluid? [...] Can I just remove any excess fluid or should I drain and install new brake fluid?
Forcing the pistons back in a little shouldn't displace that much brake fluid. As long as you haven't filled the reservoir on the handlebar totally full, you should be OK.
Just in case, you might want to pop the top off the reservoir before you force the pistons back in, and wrap an absorbent cloth around the edge of the reservoir to catch any fluid that comes over the edge. But with the "lid" off, the level should be way down in the reservoir anyway.
If you feel like you want to remove some fluid, use a drinking straw in the reservoir. (You know: insert straw, cover the end with your finger, hold straw over waste container, take finger off the end, repeat.)
To get the static pad out you need to push the pistons in and that will let the pad move all the way to the right sitting on the bike so as to be able to come out. Before pushing them back in make sure they are clean enough to eat off and have a light coating of silicone spray or some like that...else it will rip the seals in the pistons.
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: seshadri_srinathIt takes 30 seconds...My mobile pad seems to drop out of the caliper easy...while the static pad is held by the 2 pins. You slide it ove to the spot vacated by the static pas and it falls out too. Then install the static one first and then the mobile one...
Cool.
Srinath.
I'm not sure I follow?
I have a '95. The caliper has one pad which has pins which run through it. This pad would be "behind" the disc as you look at the disc/wheel (from the disc side). The other pad falls out (the one which the pistons contact) I do not see how to set the pad off the pins. Is this the "static" pad? Exactly what are you sliding over to the spot vacated by the static pad? It seems to me that the pins go into the body of the caliper and there are no gaps. I thought the pins might screw out, but they have no bolt head or hex head to grip. Please help with the explaination.
You guys are awesome. Too bad you don't live closer, I would buy you a beer when all is done.
Thanks .... L8
Quote from: jag69You guys are awesome. Too bad you don't live closer, I would buy you a beer when all is done.
Hey, Utah isn't THAT far from Arizona. 'Course, I'd opt for
root beer anyway. ;)
You got it Kerry. I will have to plan a trip ! :cheers: (It's Root Beer)
Quote from: seshadri_srinathBefore pushing them back in make sure they are clean enough to eat off and have a light coating of silicone spray or some like that...else it will rip the seals in the pistons.
Cool.
Srinath.
Hmmm, how likely is this? When I did the rear, I blew some compressed air in to get rid of crud and swiped a small brush around, but I didn't lube the piston because I didn't have any silicone handy. I figured it was just to make the job easier.
Brakes seem to work fine.
Trev
I know this may seem obvious to many people with experience but ALWAYS remember to pump the brake lever back up so you don't grab a handfull of nothing when you need to stop the first time you take it back on the road.
whats root beer? :o
Stay Safe :thumb:
Root Beer is an serious acquired taste...and in 10 years I have not managed to acquire any taste for it... It tastes a bit like someone mixed coke and muscle Relaxant...And dont even get me strated on DR Pepper.
Cool.
Srinath.