Brakes?

[golfingirl]

Hey everyone!

I'm wondering how I can tell if my brake pads need to be replaced? My brakes feel good. No noise. I just want to know exactly what I need to look for and what's the best angle etc to check them out. I have the Haynes but perhaps more detail would help a newbie like me Trying to do most reasonable maintenance myself.

Thanks!

 

[hemibee]

I know there is a limit (spec) on how much pad is needed but I just look at the pads to see that there is plenty pad left and replace when I feel they are too thin. I probably replace them too soon some times and too late other times. As far as the angle, I just get to where I can see them the best. I know this isn't much help, if any at all but that is the way I do it.

 

[The Seeker]

Most brake pads have grooves in them. When the groove is worn away and it's all flat, you should change out the pads. Leaving them on any further exposes parts of the pistons that aren't supposed to be exposed.

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

 

[Rocky]

How many miles are on the bike?
I know mileage doesn't equate to wear, but it can be an indicator of how worn they may be.
Getting a good look at brake pads may mean some odd body contortions - on your knees; on your back, whatever it takes.
Use a flashlight (torch) and take a look as best you can.
As Seeker said, if the pads are flat all the way across with no center groove, I would replace them.
If you're going to do it yourself, be prepared to get your hands dirty and probably a broken nail too. It's all part of the game.

 

[keystiger]

Could you post up some pics of the caliper/pad/rotor area from a couple different angles?

Possibly we could take a lookie see and let you know a little better? Just a thought, and I like pics

 

[golfingirl]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll get my flashlight in there this weekend. I'm not sure when the brakes were replaced last. I'll look through the service records. I may take my bike down to the local British bike shop and have them do a basic tune up and check on her. I'm trying to learn these things myself so I don't have to rely on someone else for some of the basic maintenance. If I can get a good picture, I'll post it!

 

[Rocky]

Just this morning I cleaned the front brake caliper and replaced the brake pads on my Bonneville. Let me tell you, that's a dirty job!!!
If you decide to do it yourself have plenty of good quality hand cleaner close by. Wear latex gloves if you can and be prepared to change them often.
You will need an Allen wrench/socket to get the pads locating pin out and I recommend a torque wrench when you put the caliper back on the bike.
Some things are probably best left to a dealer, but I'll bet my local mechanic wouldn't have cleaned the caliper and it's parts as well as I did

 

[Doug]

If you do need to replace the pads,do not use the original Triumph parts. Aftermarket sintered metal,for example EBC are so much better there is no comparison!

 

[The Seeker]

In addition to what Rockey said, buy a little tube of Loc-Tite threadlocker and apply that to the bolts that hold your caliper on. ALWAYS use Loc-Tite threadlocker on bolts that hold the rotors/discs to the wheels. Those are parts of your bike you NEVER want coming loose!!

 

[CarlS]

Good advice, AJ.

Laura, I am like the other guys; I look to make sure I have a center grove left on the pad. If you have any doubts, ask your dealer to look at them.

 

[devo]

Hey everyone!

I'm wondering how I can tell if my brake pads need to be replaced? My brakes feel good. No noise. I just want to know exactly what I need to look for and what's the best angle etc to check them out. I have the Haynes but perhaps more detail would help a newbie like me Trying to do most reasonable maintenance myself.

Thanks!

Laura, dont go getting all feminist on me and think I'm being sexist.
I admire your desire to learn and do as much of the basic maintenance as possible, but with items such as brakes,chain adjustment, wheel removal etc, I do believe you need guidance from a skilled person who can physically show you the procedure.
We can give you all the best advise under the sun,but not being there to check on you,you could miss one part of the procedure that we take for granted that you know,and your life could be on the line.Most of us here have been checking and replacing brake pads for years and it is not a difficult job at all, but it is a step by step procedure and you dont want to get one wrong.
I will often search out(U Tube) a how to video on something such as this as a pic (especially moving) is worth a thousand words,but watch at least three different submissions as anyone can put up a vid and often they miss out critical info.
As I said at the start, I am no way trying to dissuade you from getting down and dirty with your bike,just be sure to be aware of what you are pulling apart so that it can go back as it should.

 

[The Seeker]

just be sure to be aware of what you are pulling apart so that it can go back as it should.

That's where digital cameras and cellphone pics come in very handy!

Take pictures for reference as you dismantle things to have when re-assembling.

 

[Rocky]

That's where digital cameras and cellphone pics come in very handy!

Take pictures for reference as you dismantle things to have when re-assembling.

As I reported elsewhere, just yesterday I took the front brake caliper apart, cleaned it up and fitted new brake pads.
It wasn't all that difficult, and the Haynes manual had good reference pics, but I also took some pics with my digital camera just in case.
As it turned out, I didn't need the pics, but I wasn't taking any chances since I hadn't done this before.

devo's advice is right on the money. I had never taken my T100 apart before (removed the wheels for new tires; new rear shocks; new front brake disc and pads; installed progressive fork springs and oil), but I'm mechanically inclined and have lots of tools and a hydraulic floor jack. It also takes a bit of physical effort to wrestle those wheels off and back into place.
Even with my previous experience working on bikes, I am an amateur and I did a lot of research and reading before I started so I would know exactly what I was getting into. Everything went well and I had no problems.
I admire those who do this kind of work at home, and do it well, whether they be male of female, so don't let us talk you out of anything. We just want to make sure you do things right and are safe.

 

[golfingirl]

Laura, dont go getting all feminist on me and think I'm being sexist.
I admire your desire to learn and do as much of the basic maintenance as possible, but with items such as brakes,chain adjustment, wheel removal etc, I do believe you need guidance from a skilled person who can physically show you the procedure.
We can give you all the best advise under the sun,but not being there to check on you,you could miss one part of the procedure that we take for granted that you know,and your life could be on the line.Most of us here have been checking and replacing brake pads for years and it is not a difficult job at all, but it is a step by step procedure and you dont want to get one wrong.
I will often search out(U Tube) a how to video on something such as this as a pic (especially moving) is worth a thousand words,but watch at least three different submissions as anyone can put up a vid and often they miss out critical info.
As I said at the start, I am no way trying to dissuade you from getting down and dirty with your bike,just be sure to be aware of what you are pulling apart so that it can go back as it should.

Hey devo,

I think that's great advice regardless of gender. I certainly don't want to start tweaking things that can be a potential safety issue if I do it incorrectly. I've already decided I'll leave replacing the brake pads to an expert. I just want to know how to properly do a visual check to ensure my bike is safe to ride. I'm quite mechanically inclined but I'm not planning on using my motorcycle as a learning tool. Too much at risk for that. Thanks!

 

[Rocky]

Hey devo,

I think that's great advice regardless of gender. I certainly don't want to start tweaking things that can be a potential safety issue if I do it incorrectly. I've already decided I'll leave replacing the brake pads to an expert. I just want to know how to properly do a visual check to ensure my bike is safe to ride. I'm quite mechanically inclined but I'm not planning on using my motorcycle as a learning tool. Too much at risk for that. Thanks!

The front brakes pads are quite easy to see. Turn the front wheel all the way right and sight down past the brake line with a strong light.
In this pic of my front brake caliper, you can easily see the new brake pads I just installed (yellow, in the middle). Because they are new, they are clean and easy to see.
The rear brake caliper is on the bottom of the brake disc under the left muffler. You will have to get down on your back, sight squarely down the brake disc to see the pads. Again, you will need a strong light to see them.
This is where judgement comes in to play - only because of your lack of experience.
If the pads appear to have quite a bit of meat on them, then they are probably OK for a while, but if the "meat" is very thin and almost down to the metal backing plates (front or rear), then they need to be replaced ASAP. If you let the pad wear down so that the metal backing plate scrapes on the disc, it will be ruined in no time at all - plus it's not safe.
Generally, the front pads need replacing first because they are used the most for braking - if you ride that way. Most of your braking power is in the front brake, and it is generally recommended that you use it the most, but I know many who use the foot brake all the time and wear out the rear pads first.
If you're not really sure what you're seeing and aren't comfortable about the condition of your brakes, then I would have a mechanic take a look for you.
I couldn't get a decent picture of the rear brakes.

 

[CarlS]

Good help for Laura.

 

[The Seeker]

PS: Don't feel bad if your brake area doesn't look like you can eat off of it like Rocky's does......he's had all winter to dismantle, clean, and polish everything!!

He even uses a toothbrush to clean the bottom of his tire treads!

 

[Rocky]

PS: Don't feel bad if your brake area doesn't look like you can eat off of it like Rocky's does......he's had all winter to dismantle, clean, and polish everything!!

He even uses a toothbrush to clean the bottom of his tire treads!

 

[golfingirl]

Thanks Rocky! That was a very helpful picture.

You guys are awesome. I appreciate your willingness to answer such simple questions.

 

[Rocky]

Thanks Rocky! That was a very helpful picture.

You guys are awesome. I appreciate your willingness to answer such simple questions.

Well, you're putting simple questions to simple people
But seriously, that's what this site is all about - helping when we can and wanting to keep a fellow/lady rider out of trouble.
I'll bet that if any one of us lived in Atlanta we would be over to your house in a flash to help you out.
As was mentioned, some dealers will refuse to mount a tire that wasn't bought there.
Others may mount the tire, but charge you a lot more than normal so check into that.
There isn't any advantage to a 140 tire per se, it's just a shade bigger. You wouldn't even notice the difference.
That's what I have on my T100 - 140/80-17.