5th August 2014

Most brake pads have a wear indicator groove moulded or cut into the surface which means when the pad is worn down you can see it needs changing. If your bike’s brake pads need to be changed then we at We Want Your Motorbike know just what to do – just follow this step-by-step guide on changing them.

Step 1: Get What you Need

Anyone can do this job as long as they have the right tools and are willing to spend two to three hours getting it done. Spanners, sockets or Allen keys to fit the calliper retaining bolts, a large flat-headed screwdriver, a torque wrench, a pair of pliers and cleaning materials such as a rag or old toothbrush are all needed to get this simple job done with brake fluid, brake cleaner spray and some copper grease also required. Make sure you have all this equipment with you before starting the job.

Step 2: Remove the Old Brake Pads

Loosen any pins or screws holding the old pads into the calliper before you remove the calliper itself from your bike. Loosen and then remove fully the calliper retaining bolts, taking care not to let it dangle on its brake hose.

Use pliers to remove any pins and clips which are holding the old pads in position, pull out the pads and carefully put aside any parts you will need to refit your new pads.

Step 3: Clean your Brakes

Operate the front brake lever so the pistons move slightly out of their bores and clean the calliper and exposed ends of the pistons. Clean and remove the cap and rubber diaphragm before pushing the pistons back into the calliper with firm hand pressure and checking that the fluid reservoir doesn’t overflow. Be careful not to damage the pistons whilst doing this.

Step 4: Fit the New Brake Pads

Copper grease smeared on the back of each pad helps stop brake squeal so make sure you get your new brake pads greased up. Then, place the pads in position and replace all clips and pins, making sure the friction material faces the disc and there is enough space between the pads for the disc.

Make sure everything is replaced in the same position as it was originally and slide the calliper over the brake disc making sure that one pad goes either side and that the pads stay in the right position. Tighten the calliper bolts to the correct torque.

Step 5: Check your Work

Pump the brake lever to readjust the pistons to the pads and keep going until the lever pulls back a ‘normal’ amount for road braking, then give one final firm squeeze. Top up the brake fluid reservoir to the maximum mark and refit the rubber diaphragm and cap before taking your bike out for a test ride to check the brakes.

Stick to a local, quiet road and travel at a slow speed initially remembering to be extra light with your application of the brake as the new pads may make braking sharper than you expect.