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Post by mikestrong on Sept 28, 2008 9:06:39 GMT
Hi,
I'm looking to change brake pads on the rear brake.
Being out of the scene for 30 years is this a job for a novice or would you recommend a garage?
Also would you do all brake pads at the same time? Bike has 16k on the clock 1997.
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Post by Padster on Sept 28, 2008 11:26:37 GMT
You don't need to do all the brake pads at the same time unless they are all worn down. Depending on your riding style (or that of the previous owner) they will have worn at different rates. It might be worth while having a look at cleaning all the calipers up ready for winter as this is good practice.
It is a fairly easy job to do but if you are not sure perhaps you are near another club member who could help rather than pay the money for a garage to do it. It would be useful for you to see how it is done to give you confidence for the future.
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Post by mikestrong on Sept 28, 2008 20:05:39 GMT
Good idea,
Any members in Leicester?
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Post by amorti on Sept 29, 2008 16:32:23 GMT
On the 600 it couldn't be easier, I bet it's similar on the 900: Under the caliper from the torque arm, and pull it free. Pump pistons out a little further by pumping pedal - this is so you can clean all the piston up to where it has been sat against the seals. Remove pads. Get stuck in there with a small brass brush (not steel! or you scratch the piston and it'll rust) and some brake cleaner to clean the pistons off as best you can. Be as thorough as possible (you can't get round the tops) as this will make it easier to force the pistons back and reduce the chance that doing so spoils the fluid seals. Remove fluid reservoir cap. If you don't, it will be harder / impossible to force the pistons back as you can end up trying to compress the fluid in the pot. Put the old pads back in and use a crow bar or other suitable long bar to force (and it can take some real force) the pistons back into the bores. Fit new pads, reassemble. Quite easy, even I can do it  |
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Post by Padster on Sept 29, 2008 18:02:14 GMT
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Post by General Gman on Sept 30, 2008 6:56:06 GMT
On the 600 it couldn't be easier, I bet it's similar on the 900: Under the caliper from the torque arm, and pull it free. Pump pistons out a little further by pumping pedal - this is so you can clean all the piston up to where it has been sat against the seals. Remove pads. Get stuck in there with a small brass brush (not steel! or you scratch the piston and it'll rust) and some brake cleaner to clean the pistons off as best you can. Be as thorough as possible (you can't get round the tops) as this will make it easier to force the pistons back and reduce the chance that doing so spoils the fluid seals. Remove fluid reservoir cap. If you don't, it will be harder / impossible to force the pistons back as you can end up trying to compress the fluid in the pot. Put the old pads back in and use a crow bar or other suitable long bar to force (and it can take some real force) the pistons back into the bores. Fit new pads, reassemble. Quite easy, even I can do it Yes it's easy, but if I had to use a crowbar to get the pistons back in, I'd be stripping the brakes because they obviously need it. If I can't get the brake pistons back in with finger pressure then it's time to remove all the piston seals and clean everything up. I also only take off the reservoir when finally pushing the pistons back to fit the new pads - the less exposure the fluid has to moist air the better. And grease the pistons with red rubber grease - helps to keep the seals lubed and keeps the pistons in good condition for longer. I've got 2 sets of tokico 6 pot calipers to strip and clean - they are possibly the worst designed calipers I've ever come across. And a seal kit costs £50/set  |
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Post by HRHpenfold on Sept 30, 2008 9:26:08 GMT
Brakes are one of those areas, where a little preventative maintainance can pay dividends, a six monthly clean with a touch of rubber grease, coupled with a hose down when theres salt on the roads, and changing the brake fluid yearly, will keep most calipers in good condition almost indefinatly |
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Post by General Gman on Sept 30, 2008 9:59:18 GMT
Wise words from young Penfold.
Precisely why I'll be stripping the brakes on both or bikes before the salt gets to them - clean or replace all the seals and slather copious amounts of red grease on the psitons.Should see them ok through winter ready to do it again in the spring.
I've got new discs and pads to fit too, so may as well make sure the calipers are in pefect shape before I fit them (don't want to warp my lovely new discs..)
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