Changing Brake Pads for first time?

gixxer_flexx

gixxer_flexx

Well-known member
Looking to change my brake pads on my 600rr. ive never changed pads before and i have the service manual as well (not owner, service) so i do have some guidance. Just had a few questions first

1) is it hard to do? it cant be rocket science but considering brakes are vital for safety, would it be better just to pay a shop to do it or is it relatively straight forward?
2) where would i buy brake pads from? are they all the same more or less or are some brands better than others?
3) On the front brake, my right pad is wearing away much quicker than the left pad. the right is literally almost gone and the left pad is still ok. What does that mean?

Thanks!
 
gixxer_flexx said:
Looking to change my brake pads on my 600rr. ive never changed pads before and i have the service manual as well (not owner, service) so i do have some guidance. Just had a few questions first

1) is it hard to do? it cant be rocket science but considering brakes are vital for safety, would it be better just to pay a shop to do it or is it relatively straight forward?
2) where would i buy brake pads from? are they all the same more or less or are some brands better than others?
3) On the front brake, my right pad is wearing away much quicker than the left pad. the right is literally almost gone and the left pad is still ok. What does that mean?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

1, Pretty straight forward and easily doable with basic hand tools. If you have some level of mechanical aptitude you should be able to replace pads no problem. There's lots of youtube videos to help you along if required.

2, Dealership, online retailer or any motorcycle shop whichever is your preference. There are different types of pads you can get ie: organic lining, sintered linings. Other people will have specific recomendations im sure. A bike specific forum would be a good place to find suggestions for your particular bike.

3, Your right pad is wearing more quickly because your caliper is sticking. Not a big deal, it's a regular maintenance item. A brake caliper has to be able to slide back and forth in it's mounting in order to transfer clamping power to both pads. If it is sticking, it will just the pad on the piston side in and not pull the other side. Im not sure of the specifics of your bike and how the caliper is designed to slide. On mine it slides on the mounting pins, so as part of a brake job I need to remove the pins and clean and lubricate. Yours is probably the same but I can't say for sure with out seeing it.
 
Awesome reply thank you. Will take your advice and look around for appropriate pads. Hopefully getting the caliper working properly won't be too difficult either

Thanks


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Great yourself educated before hand. Have the proper tools and supplies.

A sticking caliper needs to be taken care of. Make sure all parts are clean, free, and properly greased. Use specific brake grease, not general purpose or wheel bearing grease.
 
While what Torren said is true for sliding pin calipers, your 600RR has fixed 4 piston calipers. In your case one or both of the pistons on the left hand side of the caliper may be sticky.
 
TwistedKestrel said:
While what Torren said is true for sliding pin calipers, your 600RR has fixed 4 piston calipers. In your case one or both of the pistons on the left hand side of the caliper may be sticky.
Click to expand...

I had a feeling that might be the case.
 
Torren said:
I had a feeling that might be the case.
Click to expand...

Before removing the pads but after the caliper (one at a time) is removed from the fork off the rotor, you can GENTLY squeeze the lever to push the pistons out to be cleaned. Use some soapy water and a tooth brush to wash the pistons then pry between the old pads to push the pistons back into the caliper before changing them. This should allow the pistons to move freely which will keep your pad pear even.
 
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dricked said:
Before removing the pads but after the caliper (one at a time) is removed from the fork off the rotor, you can GENTLY squeeze the lever to push the pistons out to be cleaned. Use some soapy water and a tooth brush to wash the pistons then pry between the old pads to push the pistons back into the caliper before changing them. This should allow the pistons to move freely which will keep your pad pear even.
Click to expand...


awesome advice, thanks for that!
 
After the tooth brush, I would uses some brake cleaner on the pistons, then a drop of brake fluid on the outside of the piston to lube it as you push it back in...
 
Doesnt' matter what Gen that RR is, 03/04 or 05 up...they all have pistons on both sides of the caliper. It shouldn't be wearing pads unevenly - unless the wheel is missing spacers or the wheel is off skew.

I don't see the need for brake fluid on the outside of the piston... The caliper piston seal is way back in the piston. As long as this is just a drop - it shouldn't leak....

IMG00255-20110316-2119-1.jpg
 
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