How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a Motorcycle

Replace your motorcycle's rear bake pads before they wear down to metal.

The hydraulic rear brake systems used on today's motorcycles are efficient and relatively maintenance-free. However, they depend on their brake pad's friction-generating material to slow these machines to a standstill. Over time, the material wears away, leaving only the pad's metal backing plate. If left unchecked, the metal plate can damage and scar the rear wheel's brake rotor, reducing the brake's ability to slow the motorcycle down. Luckily, replacing the rear brake pads is a simple task that can normally be done in less than half and hour.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench and sockets
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat screwdriver
• Replacement brake pads
• Aerosol brake cleaning spray
• Shop towels

Instructions

1. Remove the rear brake caliper from the motorcycle's swingarm. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the caliper's bolts and pull the caliper off of its bracket. Slide the caliper off of the rear brake rotor.

2. Turn the caliper over and locate the retaining bolts that secure the brake pads and spring clip. Unscrew the bolts using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the brake pads and spring clip out of the caliper's mouth.

3. Pull the old brake pads out of the spring clip and slip the new brake pads into place. Align the brake pads mounting holes with the spring clip's loops. Discard the old brake pads.

4. Spray the interior of the rear brake caliper with an aerosol brake cleaning spray and wipe dry with a shop towel. Insert a flat screwdriver into the caliper's mouth and depress the caliper's pistons completely.

5. Slide the brake pads and spring clip into the mouth of the caliper, aligning the brake pad mounting holes and the spring clip's loops with the holes in the caliper. Insert and tighten the retaining bolts with a Phillips screwdriver to secure the brake pads to the caliper.

6. Slide the brake caliper over the rear brake rotor and onto the swingarm bracket. Insert and tighten the caliper bolts with a socket wrench.

7. Pump the rear brake pedal repeatedly to rebuild hydraulic pressure in the brake caliper. Stop when the brake pedal requires a firm press to actuate the brakes.

Tips & Warnings

• The rear brake caliper on some motorcycles may be obstructed by the muffler. To access the caliper, loosen the muffler's clamp with a socket wrench and pull the muffler away from the motorcycle.

• Inspect the rear brake rotor's condition while the caliper has been dismounted. If the rotor has deep gouges or scratches, replace the rotor.

• Ensure that the brake pads are securely fastened before mounting the caliper. Loose brake pads can create a hazardous loss of control or braking capabilities.

• Do not attempt this task if you lack the confidence or tools to complete the job. Instead, have the brake pads replaced by a trained motorcycle technician.

References

• "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
• Dan's Motorcycle: Hydraulic Brakes and Clutch