Brake pad installation question

[karaszp]

Hi gang,
I pulled the wheels today to have a new set of tires put on. On reinstalling the wheels I discovered that the pads, both front and rear, are very thin and in need of replacement. The service manual is not very clear on this point so I'm looking to this experienced crowd for advice: Do I need to pull the wheels to replace the pads or can I do this just by pulling off the calipers?

If you've done one of these jobs already I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks in advance

Pete

[dond]

Pete, look at the calipers and you will see a small rubber plug. The plug covers a sockethead pin that anchors the pads. Remove the plugs. Using a (preferably a good quality) 5mm allen, remove each anchor pin and the pads will slide out easily. BEFOR YOU STart, push each caliper inwards to compress the piSTons. Do one caliper at a time. On the rear, remove the left saddlebag. If you feel the need, clean the piSTons with some brakefluid and a strip of cloth (shoeshine STyle) or use an old toothbrush (or your SO's juST don't tell 8-) )
Take your time and make sure the new pads are set into the caliper properly..Look from the other side to see they are in right.

PUMP THE BRAKES WHEN FINISHED AND BEFORE RIDING!!

If you have never topped off the maSTer cylinders, you are done. If you have topped them off, you may have to suck out a bit of fluid to allow for the thickness of the new pads.

HTH

[hippo888]

Grr... my memory is so bad these days...

The fronts do not require wheel or caliper removal. If I remember right, you just unscrew/pull the locating pin at the bottom of caliper and the pads can be wiggled out.

I think the rear is the same. I do remember removing the caliper -- but I think that was for rear wheel removal. I think to remove the pads, you just unscrew/pull the pin.

When installing the new brake pads, make sure that you get the front/top of the brake pad into its mating slot. I believe you can look at the calipers from the opposite side and see if the tang on the pad is matching the slot on the caliper.

You may need to push back the pistons in the calipers to get the new pads in (do this with the old pads in place). I believe Honda says to press the caliper against the discs. Seems like a nice way to warp the discs to me, but short of removing the caliper and using a spreader tool, I think it's the easiest way to push back the calipers (I tried holding the disc against the pressure on the caliper to minimize any warping). If you've added any brake fluid since the pads have worn down, you may need to remove it as the new pads will push fluid back up into the resevoir.

Sorry, but this is all from memory. My bike and shop manual are about 1100 miles away from me right now.

Good luck!

(posted one minute too late...)

[rocky17]

As the brakes are linked, do you have to suck a little fluid out of the front and rear reservoir? :confused:
Ken

[dond]

As the brakes are linked, do you have to suck a little fluid out of the front and rear reservoir? :confused:
Ken
Only if you've topped them off with fluid.