Checking brake pads

[luigi]

Is it possible to check the brake pads (front and rear) to see if they need replacement without taking anything apart? Like looking from the side at some angle or something.

Would brake fluid level in the reservoir provide good indication?

Cheers!

[PhilM]

No need to guess. Get a mirror and position it so you can see the pads.

[Dan GSR]

for the rear, when the reservoir is low, the pads are low also
assuming you didn't top off the fluid, and you don't have a leak
the front, you can look right thru the caliper and see the pads

[luigi]

Thanks guys!

The rear reservoir is a bit low. Why is it the front reservoir doesn't provide the same indication?

[rnexussix]

Originally Posted by Peter1

Thanks guys!

The rear reservoir is a bit low. Why is it the front reservoir doesn't provide the same indication?

My front pads are near the end of their life (maybe 2k miles more left on them) and the fluid in the front reservoir is near the low mark (same physics as the rear brake).

[luigi]

Reason I asked is because the rear pads were replaced during the 10,000km service. They checked the front and it wasn't necessary to change the pads but they did top up with some brake fluid.

That was 3,000km ago and now there's squeaking sound coming from the front when slowing down, so I'm not sure if that means front pads need replacement.

[B R I A N]

Originally Posted by Peter1

Thanks guys!

The rear reservoir is a bit low. Why is it the front reservoir doesn't provide the same indication?

It does, but since the front pads are so easy to see, visual inspection is more accurate.

[84 shovelhead]

Good idea to change out barke fluid as per maintenace schedule as it becomes contaminated and cloudy.

[luigi]

Great suggestion with the mirrors!

I've took same pictures, the rear pads do look a bit thin, the front pad look like a long way go or am I looking at the wrong part?

The pictures are: front right, front left, rear.

Cheers!