Triumphrat

America · 10-04-2005, 11:15 PM

I need some back brakes for my bike.
Our they hard to change out?
Just wondering.

dazco · 10-04-2005, 11:32 PM

Assuming you mean pads......never done mine being almost new, but i've put pads on a ton of cars and a few bike over the years and i never found any of them to be hard to do at all. usually about 10-15 min per caliper.

Thunder_Forever · 10-05-2005, 09:57 AM

I'll be watching this post because I need to do mine soon too.

CYNCRZR · 10-05-2005, 10:15 AM

It's not difficult as long as you have the proper tools & a way to support the bike with the wheel off.

If you search this and the cafe forum for the terms "brake" and "rear" you should find the info you need. I'm sure the procedure has been described here more than once.

If you buy a Service Manual for your model then it'll be even easier.

Cheers, Cyn-

2522 · 10-05-2005, 12:13 PM

Just did mine 2 weeks ago. Locate brake fluid reservoir and check fluid level. ( It should appear a little low due to pad wear). Open the reservoir. Locate the 2 Allen screws on the caliper. These hold the brake pads in place. Loosen these 2 screws but do not remove ( they are actually pins that extend through both pads keeping them in place). There are 2 bolts that hold the caliper to the bracket that attaches the caliper to the bike. Remove these bolts and wiggle the caliper free of the disk. Do NOT operate brake lever with caliper removed! Observe the position of the old pads on the caliper. Now remove the pins that extend through the pads and remove the pads from the caliper. Under one of the pads you will notice a piston. You will need a "C" clamp to push the piston back in as it will have extended outward as the original pads wore down. Slowly turn the "C" clamp in insuring that you are pushing the piston straight back. (If for some reason you topped-up your brake fluid reservoir as your pads wore down you will now have a mess because the fluid will move back into the reservoir and over fill it). When you have moved the piston back, you should now have sufficient space to install your new pads. Install the new pads in the same position as you observed the originals. Install the pins through the pads to retain the pads in place. Replace caliper. Check fluid level. Close reservoir. Check all bolts / pins that they are replaced and tightened correctly. Operate brake lever observe caliper operation. (movement will be very slight or almost not noticeable if pads are snug to the disk). Roll or take bike for slow putt checking for proper braking making sure pads release and grab correctly. New pads will take a few stops to develop full surface contact to break in. Hope this helps. Re read twice...don't think I forgot anything? Any other opinions? Two or more heads are better thin one :-D

2522 · 10-05-2005, 12:46 PM

Just remembered something...If it is the rear brake on a Bonneville, you will need to remove the silencer. Simple...remove rear foot peg, loosen clamp at front of silencer, wiggle silencer off. Carefull,...don't scratch that chrome.

America · 10-05-2005, 09:47 PM

thanx for everyones help.
It took me about 20 min. left the bike right on its kick stand and went to town. there were 2 little allen screws and 2 big nuts. take out the pads and compress the caliper ( i used a screw driver, thats what the dealer said to do) and put it all back together.
just in time, its going to be 70 here this weekend.
thanx again guys. :-D